The trio met at The Vatican in the afternoon in a surprise meeting lasting around 20 minutes – with King Charles and Queen Camilla ‘delighted The Pope was well enough to host them’

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 Pope was ‘well enough to host’ Charles and Camilla
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.

Charles and Camilla in Italy during a visit to Rome’s Colosseum ( 
Image:
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

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.