Monarch and Queen Camilla devastated by loss just weeks after emotional Vatican meeting
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are reportedly heartbroken following the death of Pope Francis, just days after their moving private audience with the pontiff during their recent visit to Italy.
The 88-year-old Pope, the first Latin American and non-European pontiff in over a millennium, passed away shortly after appearing in public—a sudden loss that deeply affected the royal couple. A palace insider revealed, “The King and Queen are in tears after receiving the heartbreaking news from Italy as they were delighted to see the Pope regaining health.”
King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, had met Pope Francis on April 9, 2025, during day three of their tour of the Republic of Italy. Their scheduled state visit had been previously postponed, but a private meeting was arranged at the Vatican. During the 20-minute audience, gifts were exchanged and the Pope warmly congratulated the couple on their 20th wedding anniversary.
Following the meeting, Buckingham Palace issued a statement expressing the couple’s joy at seeing the Pope well enough to receive them: “Their Majesties were delighted The Pope was well enough to host them — and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person.”
The Pope’s passing came as a shock not only to the royal family but to the world, especially after he had appeared to be recovering from a recent bout of double pneumonia. King Charles has since released a personal message expressing his sorrow and admiration for the late pontiff.
Pope Francis, who reshaped the Church and appointed nearly 80% of the current cardinal electors, leaves behind a powerful legacy that is expected to shape the future of the Catholic Church.
