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.
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 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 pontiff earlier this afternoon. Discussions about a Holy See State Visit continue between the palace and the Vatican.
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