King Charles and Queen Camilla paid a surprise visit to Pope Francis as he recuperates at the Vatican on Wednesday during a state visit to Italy that coincided with the British royal couple’s 20th wedding anniversary.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have had a private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican where he wished them a happy 20th wedding anniversary. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen said they were "delighted the Pope was well enough to host them - and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person".

Pope Francis had a previously unannounced meeting at the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon with Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla, during their state visit to Italy, Buckingham Palace and the Vatican announced.