On Wednesday afternoon, the King and Queen travelled in a secret convoy from the UK Ambassador's Residence in Rome, to the Vatican.
The Vatican released a new photograph this morning, showing Their Majesties beaming as they met Pope Francis for a 20 minute meeting.
The Pope, visibly unwell and sitting in a wheelchair, spent more than a month in hospital earlier this year - forcing the Holy See to ask Buckingham Palace to delay the State Visit this week.
However, it appears both parties had been hoping a more informal meeting could take place instead, while Their Majesties were in Rome for the Italian State Visit.
King Charles and Queen Camilla 'delighted' following secret visit to Pope Francis
Getty
I understand the Holy Father invited Their Majesties for the private audience, but could only confirm yesterday morning because of his ongoing recovery from double pneumonia.
The King was pictured carrying a red box in his left hand, presumably part of the private gift exchange that took place - Buckingham Palace are keeping tight lipped about what was exchanged.
Although the King and Queen had a packed schedule of engagements this week, they managed to find a window mid afternoon to travel to the Vatican.
After the King's historic speech, where he became the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament, Their Majesties quickly travelled back to the UK Ambassador's residence, Villa Wolkonsky, to get changed.
King Charles and Queen Camilla pose beside ailing Pope Francis as fresh picture releasedVatican MediaIt is tradition that those having a private audience with His Holiness wear black, because it is a sign of respect, modesty and solemnity.
The King's Principle Private Secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, and Her Majesty's Deputy Private Secretary, Belinda Kim, accompanied King Charles and Queen Camilla during the meeting.
I understand Pope Francis wished Their Majesties a happy 20th wedding anniversary, and a Vatican spokesperson reportedly claimed His Holiness wished the King well with his ongoing cancer treatment.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told GB News: "Their Majesties were delighted The Pope was well enough to host them for a private meeting, and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person."
Queen Camilla dazzled at the banquet to mark her 20th wedding anniversary with King Charles at a glamorous state banquet in Rome on Wednesday eveningGettyLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Queen Camilla rewore her Anna Valentine wedding dressPAAlthough the State Visit to the Holy See was postponed, I understand discussions continue between the UK Government, Buckingham Palace and the Vatican on when it can be rearrange.
I suspect this will not be for some time, however, because His Majesty is required to host an unprecedented "royal charm offensive" for the President of the United States, softening up Donald Trump before tough trade talks.
His Majesty is also King of Canada, and may wish to take the opportunity to visit the country for the first time as Sovereign.
The King and Queen's busy diary continues today with a full list of engagements in Ravenna, including commemorating the 80th anniversary since British and Canadian troops liberated the province from Nazi occupation.
