By Gwurld4026 
Royal Meeting: King Charles III and Pope Francis in Italy
King Charles III and Queen Camilla recently concluded a state visit to Italy, which included a significant private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. This meeting, held on April 9, 2025—the couple’s 20th wedding anniversary—was particularly meaningful as it marked the first time they met with the Pope since Charles’s ascension to the throne.
The visit was initially postponed due to Pope Francis’s health issues, specifically a serious case of double pneumonia that required two months of rest. However, with his recovery, the meeting proceeded, allowing the royal couple to convey their well-wishes and exchange gifts with the Pope.
Earlier in the day, King Charles addressed the Italian Parliament, emphasizing the strength of UK-Italy relations and the importance of European unity. He also met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the visit culminated in a state banquet hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
Queen Camilla honored their anniversary by wearing a redesigned version of her wedding dress during the visit, reflecting on the role of friendship in their marriage.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship between the British monarchy and the Vatican, highlighting shared values and mutual respect.