
By-Sean Coughlan-Royal correspondent, BBC News
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are going ahead with the state visit to Italy and the Vatican, including plans for a meeting with Pope Francis.
The Pope has been ill – but Buckingham Palace says the trip will continue as planned, from 7-10 April, with engagements in Rome and Ravenna.
The King had privately sent a letter to the Pope when he was taken ill – but a photo released by the Vatican at the weekend appeared to show the 88-year-old was slowly recovering.
The visit will see a symbolic building of links between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, of which King Charles is the Supreme Governor.