King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with a special visit to Pope Francis at the Vatican. The meeting took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope has been recovering after a recent hospital stay. It was a heartfelt occasion, with the Pope extending his best wishes to the royal couple on their anniversary.
This private meeting was confirmed only hours before it happened, following a change in plans due to the Pope’s health issues. Buckingham Palace shared that the King and Queen were delighted to meet the Pope and expressed their joy at being able to convey their good wishes in person.
The meeting lasted about 20 minutes, and a photograph was released afterward, showcasing the warm exchange. The royal couple expressed how touched they were by the Pope’s kind words. The Vatican also noted that the Pope reciprocated the King’s wishes for a speedy recovery, referencing the King’s recent health challenges.
Later that evening, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a state banquet hosted by Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella. The King humorously remarked about the lavish dinner being a "small romantic, candle-lit dinner for two," despite the presence of 150 guests, including notable figures like singer Andrea Bocelli and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Queen Camilla made a special nod to their wedding by wearing the same ivory silk dress she wore during their civil ceremony in 2005. The King’s speech at the banquet touched on the long-standing relationship between the UK and Italy, blending humor and serious themes. He called for unity in defending shared values, especially in light of current global tensions.
The royal couple received a warm welcome throughout their state visit to Italy, with enthusiastic crowds cheering for them at various locations, including the Colosseum. The day was filled with meaningful exchanges and reflections on their roles, both personally and as representatives of their countries.