King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Vatican visit postponed over Pope Francis health fears
King Charles last met with the pope in 2019
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s travel plans have been changed according to reports.
One significant visit has been called off due to fears over Pope Francis’ health, as stated by Buckingham Palace.
The king and queen were expected to visit Vatican in April, however, advice from the pope’s doctors have derailed their initial plans.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to Vatican postponed
The statement read: “Medical advice has now suggested that Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation.
“Their Majesties send the pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in The Holy See, once he has recovered.”
King Charles wrote to Pope Francis when he was struck down with pneumonia in both lungs in February.
Pope Francis was discharged on Sunday following almost 40 days in Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
The pope has since concelebrated mass within the Santa Marta guesthouse where he lives.
He has also undergone breathing and speech therapy to help his recovery, according to the Vatican.
The pope is said to have received no visitors “apart from his closest associates”.
Consequently, no date has been set for his next appearance in public.
The king, who is the head of the Church of England, had been scheduled to meet his Catholic counterpart on April 8.
The visit has been called off by “mutual agreement”.
This would have been Charles’ first visit with Pope Francis as monarch.
King Charles’ last visit with Pope Francis
Charles last visited the Holy See as heir to the throne in 2019.
Despite the change of plan, Charles and Camilla’s visit is still due to go ahead in early April.
The couple reportedly have meetings planned with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella.
Charles is also set to become the first British monarch to address a sitting of the Italian parliament.
It comes as Camilla has reportedly been given a strict “warning” over her dress code when visiting Italy.
‘Warning’ over Camilla’s style on royal tour
Tobias Kormind, founder of 77 Diamonds, told the Express: “Royal visits to the Papal See require royals to adhere to a strict dress code rooted in tradition, respect, and protocol.”
The expert then explained how jewellery plays a “significant role” in their ensembles.
Kormind continued: “In 1980, Queen Elizabeth II made history as the first British monarch to visit the Vatican, marking the occasion with the stunning Vladimir Tiara.
“Its magnificent pearl drops added elegance and regal presence to her look. Perfectly complementing her black taffeta gown and mantilla veil.”
The expert then noted how Camilla must follow Queen Elizabeth II’s lead and make the right statement during her upcoming royal tour.
He added: “Jewellery has long been an essential element of royal attire for such visits, enhancing both symbolism and style.”
Read more: King Charles and Queen Camilla agreeing to have ‘two homes’ is the ‘key’ to strong marriage
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