King Charles office sends special message to Pope after emotional meeting

King Charles and Queen Camilla were deeply touched as the royal couple shared a touching moment with the ailing Pope Francis.

King Charles office on Thursday shared a special message on behalf of the monarch after they were invited for a surprise visit to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican during a private audience.

One day prior, Charles and Camilla had met the Catholic Church leader after the meeting had been cancelled due to the pontiff’s health. The Palace released a special photo from the 20-minute meeting and a message alongside it to commemorate the historic meeting.

“Che occasione speciale!” the message began in Italian, which translates to: What a special occasion!

“A special moment for Their Majesties as they privately met His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican yesterday,” it continued in English. “The King and Queen were deeply touched by The Pope’s kind remarks about their 20th wedding anniversary and honoured to be able to share their best wishes to him in person.”

Meanwhile, a statement from the Vatican revealed that the Pope shared his “best wishes” with the couple as they marked their 20th anniversary.

Originally, the King and Queen were meant to have an official stop at the Vatican’s The Holy See but plans were changed after doctors recommended that the pope convalesce following his 38-day hospital visit due to several health issues, including pneumonia.