King Charles cancels state visit to Holy See over Pope's health

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla visit the centre of Banbridge, Northern Ireland, Mar 21, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville

King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla's state visit to the Holy See has been postponed because of medical advise that suggested Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday.

The British royals' trip to the Holy See was scheduled to start on Apr 7, with a meeting with Pope Francis the following day. Their subsequent trip to Italy is set to continue.

"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 palace statement said.