King Charles and Queen Camilla enjoyed a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, where he congratulated them on their 20th wedding anniversary. Buckingham Palace stated they were “delighted” the Pope, recovering from illness, was well enough to meet them. The 20-minute meeting, confirmed that morning, took place at Casa Santa Marta, where the pontiff has been convalescing. The Vatican noted his improving health, and the Pope reciprocated the King’s good wishes following his own cancer treatment side effects. Gifts were exchanged during the visit.
Originally, the royal couple’s Italian state visit included Vatican events like a Sistine Chapel service, but these were postponed due to the Pope’s health. However, his recovery allowed for this brief encounter. Later, the King and Queen attended a grand state banquet hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella at Rome’s Quirinale Palace. Joking about the lavish celebration, Charles quipped, “It’s very good of you to lay on this small romantic, candle-lit dinner for two.” The 150 guests included Andrea Bocelli, Giorgio Locatelli, and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Earlier, Camilla wore a repurposed ivory silk dress from her 2005 wedding. Charles, the first British monarch to address Italy’s Parliament, received a standing ovation after urging stronger UK-Italy ties, particularly in defending shared democratic values amid global instability. Referencing Ukraine, he stressed, “In difficult times, friends stand together.” His speech, partly in Italian, highlighted historical bonds dating back to Roman Britain.
The royal couple also visited a Rome school, where Camilla was gifted pizza, and greeted cheering crowds near the Colosseum. Their Bentley drew local media attention, while the Royal Family’s social media celebrated their anniversary with a Madness song tribute.
