British Royal visit to Pope postponed on medical advice

Vatican skyline. Image ICN/JS

The visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to Pope Francis next month has been postponed, due to medical advice issued to the Pope, Buckingham Palace has said.

Pope Francis was due to receive the Royal couple in an audience on 8 April, but a statement from Buckingham Palace explains: "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 message from Buckingham Palace concludes: "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."

Pope Francis was only recently discharged from the Gemelli hospital in Rome after being treated there for double pneumonia and bronchitis since 14 February. Although the Holy Father's medical team say he longer needs hospital treatment, they have prescribed two months convalescence at Casa Santa Marta before he resumes his heavy work schedule.

The historic visit to the Vatican was planned to be part of this year's jubilee events and a celebration of the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England.

The King and Queen will still visit Italy, with a slightly adjusted schedule. This will be their first state visit this year. They will also celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary while in Italy.

This evening Buckingham Palace issued a brief statement about the health of King Charles.

It said: "Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, The King experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital. His Majesty's afternoon engagements were therefore postponed.

His Majesty has now returned to Clarence House and as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow's diary programme will also be rescheduled. His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result."