King Charles and Queen Camilla had a surprise private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon – and were “delighted” he “was well enough to host them”. The trio met for around 20 minutes, with Royal sources saying The Pope took the opportunity to wish Their Majesties a Happy Anniversary on the day marking their 20 years of marriage.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “Their Majesties were delighted The Pope was well enough to host them – and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person.” The Holy Father issued an invitation to Their Majesties for a private audience, given the official State Visit was postponed after he was hospitalised recently with double pneumonia.
In February, the pontiff was diagnosed with a “complex” respiratory infection after being rushed to Rome’s Gemelli hospital with severe chest pain.
The Vatican said at the time that the 88-year-old developed a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection – a combination of viruses, bacteria and possibly other organisms forming together in his respiratory tract, leading to double pneumonia.
“Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” the Vatican said. The infection had especially caused concern because the Pope had part of his lung removed several years prior, and two sources close to Francis claim he told them he “might not make it this time”, Politico reports.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, who are currently on a state visit to Italy, were greeted at the Quirinale Palace in Rome on Monday and were given a full ceremonial welcome with a spectacular flypast of the Red Arrows.
The pair have made state visits to the EU’s biggest economies – Germany, France and now Italy, as part of what Downing Street has called the “reset” of relations with European allies following years of bitterness triggered by Brexit.
During the trip, the couple will celebrate the UK’s ties with the European nation by visiting the capital and the city of Ravenna at the request of the British Government. The tour is hoped to “deliver a meaningful and broad legacy” as they use the soft power of monarchy to strengthen the “thriving” relationship.
Edward Llewelyn, British Ambassador to Italy, said today: “Their Majesties will do something intangible but priceless. Their visit will strengthen the closeness between our nations in a way that only they can, creating memories that will last a generation.”
The Royals were joined by their Principal Private Secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, and Her Majesty’s Deputy Private Secretary, Mrs Belinda Kim were during their meeting with The Pope earlier this afternoon. Discussions about a Holy See State Visit continue between the palace and the Vatican.
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