A Touching Reunion: King Charles and Queen Camilla Visit Pope Francis During State Visit to Italy
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, King Charles and Queen Camilla made a surprise private visit to Pope Francis on Wednesday afternoon during their four-day state visit to Italy. The royal couple took the opportunity to meet with the 88-year-old pontiff at his residence, Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, where he is currently recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia affecting both lungs.
This unexpected engagement comes after an official audience that was initially scheduled for the royals was canceled due to the pope's ill health. The Vatican issued a statement following the meeting, indicating that Pope Francis extended his best wishes to King Charles and Queen Camilla on their 20th wedding anniversary, a milestone they celebrated on the same day.
Buckingham Palace expressed their delight that Pope Francis was well enough to welcome them, adding that it was meaningful for the couple to convey their best wishes in person. This visit reflects a deep respect and affection between the monarchy and the Vatican.
Pope Francis was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on March 23 after spending five weeks recovering from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia. His medical team indicated that he would need to spend at least two months convalescing at home.
The royal couple's visit also followed King Charles's groundbreaking address to a joint session of the Italian parliament, where he surprised many lawmakers with his fluency in Italian. The king humorously reflected on the importance of language and culture during his speech, stating, "I hope I’m not ruining the language of Dante to the point that I will not be invited to Italy again." This testament to the deep connection he and the queen feel towards Italy resonated with many in the audience.
On the same day, King Charles and Queen Camilla met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, demonstrating continued collaboration between the United Kingdom and Italy. Later in the evening, they were expected to be hosted by President Sergio Mattarella for a state banquet at the historic Quirinal Palace.
In a short span, the royal couple means to participate in various engagements, including a visit to Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna, before concluding their trip and returning home. This state visit underscores the age-old ties and mutual respect shared between Italy and the British monarchy, marked by warm exchanges and hopes for a continued partnership.
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