Buckingham Palace issues statement about King’s private meeting with Pope

King Charles, and Queen Camilla finally meet Pope Francis during their four-day Italy State Visit.

Buckingham Palace released an official statement about the historic meeting after it was cancelled last minute.

On Wednesday, the King and Queen privately met with the Catholic Church leader who had been recently hospitalised for 38 days for several health issues.

The meeting was previously taken out of the itinerary as doctors advised the pontiff to rest. However, the monarchs were delighted that the Pope could host them, especially on the day of their 20th wedding anniversary.

“Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla this afternoon had a private meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican,” the statement from the Palace read.

“Their Majesties were delighted The Pope was well enough to host them for a private meeting and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person.”

According to reports, the Pope had invited the coupe for a private audience at the Vatican. During the 20-minute meeting, and the Pope wished the royals a happy 20th wedding anniversary and gifts were exchanged.

The meeting had taken place after the King wrapped his powerful speech on the third day of his visit at Italy’s parliament. Charles became the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament, and only the fourth non-Italian to do so.