King Charles and Queen Camilla met privately with Pope Francis on Wednesday afternoon during a visit to the Vatican, where they offered their well wishes for the Pope’s continued recovery.
The meeting took place as the Pope convalesces following recent hospital treatment for double pneumonia. Although the visit was not publicly announced in advance, it was revealed by local media after the royal convoy was seen departing the Vatican.
The royal couple, nearing the end of a four-day state visit to Italy, had initially planned a formal state visit to the Holy See. However, that engagement was cancelled in light of the Pope’s health to allow him time to rest.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed the meeting, saying:
"Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla this afternoon had a private meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. 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."
Pope Francis made his first public appearance since falling ill just days earlier, attending a special Jubilee Mass for the sick in St Peter’s Square while in a wheelchair. He was seen using nasal tubes for oxygen support, though the Vatican has indicated his need for supplemental oxygen is gradually decreasing.
The royal audience with the Pope is understood to have been confirmed only that morning, and the invitation from the pontiff coincided with the King and Queen’s 20th wedding anniversary. The 20-minute meeting likely took place in the Pope’s private apartment.
Although specific details of their conversation were not disclosed, it is believed that Pope Francis offered his congratulations to the royal couple on their anniversary. Gifts were exchanged during the meeting, which was also attended by Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s principal private secretary, and Belinda Kim, deputy private secretary to the Queen.
This visit marked the King’s first meeting with the Pope since 2019, when, as the Prince of Wales, he attended the canonisation of St John Henry Newman.
A photo of Wednesday’s audience is expected to be released Thursday morning, ahead of the final engagements of the royal couple’s Italian tour. Discussions are ongoing to reschedule the originally planned state visit to the Holy See, which was intended to coincide with the Papal Jubilee, a major event held every 25 years.
The meeting with the Pope followed a historic address by King Charles to the Italian parliament, in which he emphasized the importance of preserving peace and paid tribute to the deep ties between the UK and Italy. He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt message:
“Italy will always be in my heart.”
Queen Camilla, seated nearby, wore her wedding dress adorned with new embroidery to mark the special occasion. Photo by Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament; Wales, Wikimedia commons.