In a heartwarming and unanticipated gesture, Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday, marking their 20th wedding anniversary with a touch of international diplomacy. The royal couple, who are currently on a state visit to Italy, took time to meet with the ailing Pope, who has been recovering from a severe case of double pneumonia.
According to Reuters, the original plans for a formal state visit to the Vatican were adjusted due to the Pope’s health condition. The Holy Father, however, met with the British royals privately, extending his heartfelt wishes for their special day. Buckingham Palace expressed gratitude, noting that the King and Queen were thrilled to find Pope Francis in good spirits and were able to convey their warm wishes face-to-face.
“Charles and Camilla had been due to make a formal state visit to the Vatican, but postponed their plans after doctors prescribed Francis two months of rest after the pontiff experienced a serious bout of double pneumonia.
The pope met the royal couple privately and offered his best wishes for their 20th wedding anniversary, which they celebrated on Wednesday, said a Vatican statement.
Buckingham Palace said Charles and Camilla ‘were delighted The Pope was well enough to host them – and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person’.”
The Associated Press highlighted that this was Pope Francis’s first meeting since returning from a significant hospital stay. While the official visit was postponed, the private audience was confirmed the morning of the meeting, lasting approximately 20 minutes. During this brief yet meaningful encounter, there was an exchange of gifts and discussions about a future visit to the Vatican.
“It was the first known meeting since the pope’s return to the Vatican after five weeks in the hospital for life-threatening double pneumonia. Francis had planned to have an audience with Charles, but the official state visit to the Vatican was postponed due to the pope’s health.
The pope issued a new invitation for a private audience, but it was subject to his health and only confirmed Wednesday morning. The mid-afternoon visit lasted about 20 minutes and included a private exchange of gifts. Discussions continue about a future visit by the monarch to the Vatican.”
Both parties exchanged well-wishes, with the Pope congratulating the couple on their anniversary, and the King and Queen expressing hopes for the Pope’s speedy recovery. Earlier in the day, King Charles delivered a historic address to the Italian parliament, emphasizing unity and shared values amid Europe’s current challenges. His speech underscored the longstanding ties between the UK and Italy, rooted deeply in shared history and culture.
As the first British monarch to address the Italian parliament, Charles continues to strengthen ties and foster collaboration, ensuring that shared values remain at the forefront of European discourse.
