The royals will continue their travels in Italy, according to Buckingham palace, noting that they "look forward to visiting him" when the Pope recovers.

On March 25, Buckingham Palace announced that the King and Queen's visit to the Holy See has been postponed by mutual agreement in light of medical advice for the leader of the Catholic church. Pope Francis, 88, has been advised to rest after being discharged from the hospital on March 23 following a 38-day stay.

The UK's head of state wrote to Francis when the 88-year-old pontiff was struck down with pneumonia in both lungs in February, amid fears he might not survive.