Palace announces major update to King and Queen’s plans

Buckingham Palace has released a statement regarding upcoming plans for the monarch and his wife following a new development.

IN LONDON

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s planned visit to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis has been postponed, Buckingham Palace has announced.

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, UK time, it was explained that the decision had come “by mutual agreement” and as a result of the pontiff’s recent illness.

“The King and Queen’s State Visit to The Holy See has been postponed by mutual agreement, as medical advice has now suggested that Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation,” the statement read.

“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.”

The King and Queen will now amend their schedule. Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

The 88-year-old pope has suffered a number of health issues recently. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

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The Pope arrived home to the Vatican on Sunday after spending more than a month in hospital battling a life-threatening bout of pneumonia.

The monarch and his wife were scheduled to visit the Holy See, also known as the Vatican, and Italy from April 7th until the 9th – and while the trip will still go ahead, it’s understood the itinerary will now be amended, given the latest development.

Pilgrims walk to the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica on March 25, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

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Just last week, a Palace source told UK newspaper The Mirror that they had shared their “hopes and prayers that Pope Francis’s health will enable the visit to go ahead”.

The visit to Italy and the Vatican is in celebration of the papal jubilee and the relationship between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.

The King and Queen will hold audiences with Italian president Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during their two-day tour, and attend a black-tie banquet.

The trip will also hold special significance for the couple, who will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary while there, on April 9.

Originally published as Palace announces major update to King and Queen’s plans