King postpones Vatican trip as Pope Francis recuperates

The King and Queen’s planned visit to the Vatican next month has been postponed due to medical advice issued to the Pope, Buckingham Palace said.

- ATHENA STAVROU

Charles and Camilla were due to visit Pope Francis in the Holy See in just under two weeks, but the tour was put on hold by mutual agreement after medical advice suggested Francis would benefit from extra time to recuperate.

In a statement, the palace said: “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.

“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.”