King and Queen meet Pope at the Vatican during 20th wedding anniversary celebrations
9 April 2025, 20:01 | Updated: 10 April 2025, 08:43
The King and Queen have met with the Pope at the Vatican during their 20th wedding anniversary celebrations.
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Charles and Camilla attended a banquet banquet in Rome overnight - as they celebrate the milestone anniversary.
The divorcees, married in 2005, were said to be “delighted” to have the private audience with Francis on Wednesday.
Earlier, the King's made history as the first British monarch to address both houses of the Italian Parliament.
He used the opportunity to praise Italy for its cooperation with Britain on the war in Ukraine.
The spokesperson said: "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."
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It is understood the visit was only confirmed on Wednesday morning and was subject to the Pope's health.
The Pope wished the couple, who celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, a happy anniversary, it is understood.
Gifts were exchanged and the meeting lasted around 20 minutes.
A message on the palace social media said: “Che occasione speciale! A special moment for Their Majesties as they privately met His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican yesterday.
“The King and Queen were deeply touched by The Pope’s kind remarks about their 20th wedding anniversary and honoured to be able to share their best wishes to him in person.”
