In the end, the visit did take place. It wasn't planned, but all signs indicate that Pope Francis’s improving health made a brief meeting possible at the last moment. In the photo, the Pope is seen without an oxygen tube, appearing to not need continual breathing assistance anymore. This is the first time the pope has met with the monarchs since their coronation.
Queen Camilla wore black, in accordance with protocol, and not white—a privilege reserved only for Catholic queens. King Charles also strictly adhered to the dark dress code, changing out of the light-colored tie he was wearing earlier in the day to speak before the Italian Parliament.
The Vatican issued a brief statement noting that Pope Francis congratulated them on their 20th wedding anniversary, and that the two men wished each other good health. Later, on social media, the royal couple described meeting the Pope as “a special occasion”.
The visit to the Vatican was considered private and unofficial, leaving the commitment to a future official State visit unclear. When he addressed the Italian Parliament, King Charles re called how Italy is one of Britain's most important trade partners. The United Kingdom is the fifth-largest investor in Italy which, in turn, ranks as the sixth-largest country involved in direct investment projects with the UK.
CRT
