In a private meeting at the Vatican, King Charles and Queen Camilla

In a private meeting at the Vatican, King Charles and Queen Camilla were wished a happy 20th wedding anniversary by Pope Francis.

The visit took place during their state trip to Italy and was confirmed only on the morning of the meeting, which was made possible after previous plans were postponed due to the Pope's health issues.
The meeting occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday at the Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis has been recovering after his recent release from Gemelli Hospital. A photograph of their 20-minute discussion was shared by the Vatican the next morning.

Buckingham Palace released a statement expressing that the King and Queen were "delighted the Pope was well enough to host them" and appreciated the opportunity to convey their best wishes in person.

The Royal Family shared the meeting's photo on their X account, captioned "Che occasione speciale," which means "what a special occasion." According to the Vatican, Pope Francis is showing signs of gradual recovery and returned the King's good wishes for a swift recovery from his own recent health challenges. The meeting also included an exchange of personal gifts between the Pope and the royal couple.

Their state visit has been met with a warm reception across Italy, originally intended to focus on the Vatican and other official events, such as a service at the Sistine Chapel. However, due to the Pope's health setbacks, the meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla was brief but meaningful. Following their time with the Pope, the King and Queen attended a state banquet in Rome hosted by President Sergio Mattarella, where the King humorously remarked about the "small romantic, candle-lit dinner for two" they were enjoying for their anniversary.

The banquet was attended by 150 guests, including renowned singer Andrea Bocelli and notable figures from various sectors. Earlier that day, Queen Camilla showcased an ivory silk dress designed by Anna Valentine, which she had worn during her civil wedding ceremony in 2005, marking the special occasion. In his speech at the banquet, King Charles referenced the historical ties between the UK and Italy, quipping about the famous Monty Python question, "What have the Romans ever done for us?" He acknowledged the Roman influence on Britain while also highlighting the precarious state of the world, calling for unity in upholding cherished values. The banquet featured a menu rich in Italian cuisine, ending with a fior di latte ice cream cake adorned with raspberries. Earlier, King Charles made history as the first UK monarch to address both houses of the Italian Parliament, where he received a standing ovation. His speech emphasized the importance of democratic values and the necessity for solidarity in confronting contemporary global challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking partially in Italian, he highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two nations, reminiscing about the Romans' arrival in Britain and acknowledging the contributions of Canadian troops in Italy during World War II. The day began with a ceremonial red-carpet welcome from Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Villa Doria Pamphili.

The royal couple was warmly greeted by the Italian public throughout their visit, including at the Colosseum, where they posed for photographs amid enthusiastic shouts of "Carlo," the Italian version of Charles. The Royal Family's official X account marked their anniversary with a video featuring guards performing a rendition of Madness's 1981 hit, "It Must Be Love.
BBC
Edited