King Charles has made a touching gesture on his return to work following the passing of Pope Francis.
The King, 76, met with New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, just hours after the Vatican announced that Francis had died aged 88 following a cerebral stroke in the early hours of Monday morning.
Both the King and Luxon, 54, wore black ties in tribute to the late head of the Roman Catholic church, as a mark of respect to the late Pope, who will be buried in Rome later this week.
Charles wore a double-breasted, slate-grey suit and black tie for his return to work after spending Easter Sunday with members of his family.
King Charles has made a touching gesture on his return to work following the passing of Pope Francis
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Members of the Royal Family joined the King in attending the Matins service at St George's Chapel.
Luxon described his meeting with King Charles as "an honour" in a social media post posted shortly after the meeting, with the two men understood to have covered a range of topics.
He wrote: "His Majesty King Charles III has a deep love of New Zealand.
"It was an honour to have an audience with him at Windsor Castle upon my arrival in London."
King Charles met with New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, just hours after the Vatican announced that Francis had died aged 88 following a cerebral stroke in the early hours of Monday morning
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King Charles also paid tribute to the late Pope in a statement released on Monday morning.
The statement comes just weeks after meeting the pontiff during his four-day tour of Italy.
The King wrote: "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.
"Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry."
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King Charles and Queen Camilla met the Pope during their four-day tour of Italy
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He added: "His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.
"His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.
"Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many. The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.
"We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ."
Charles signed the message: "Charles R."
