King and Queen express deep sadness at death of Pope after moving meeting

Charles and Camilla paid tribute to Pope Francis for his compassion and tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith.

The King and Queen during a private meeting with Pope Francis in Rome on April 9 — Charles and Camilla during a private meeting with Pope Francis in Rome on April 9 (The Vatican/PA)

The King and Queen have expressed their “most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy” following the death of Pope Francis.

Charles and Camilla had a moving meeting with the ailing 88-year-old while he was convalescing just 12 days ago.

The couple’s historic state visit to the Vatican in early April was cancelled because of the Pope’s poor health, but they managed to visit the head of the Roman Catholic Church privately during their trip to Italy.

The King, in an official message released following the news of the pontiff’s death on Monday, said he and Camilla were “most deeply saddened”.

He praised Pope Francis for his compassion and tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith.

The Union flag will be flown half-mast at royal residences where Charles is not in residence as a mark of respect and in accordance with Government guidance.

Sombre music will played at the Changing the Guard ceremony to reflect “the sadness of the occasion”, a royal source said.

A member of the royal family is expected to attend the Pope’s funeral, if the Vatican is in agreement, but it is too early to say who will travel to pay their respects.

Pope Francis tours St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile on Easter Sunday — Pope Francis tours St Peter’s Square in his Popemobile on Easter Sunday (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Royal engagements are likely to continue as planned, but will take into account any sensitivities regarding tone in the wake of Francis’s death.

The King said: “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.

“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.

A nun prays in Westminster Cathedral in Victoria, London, following the announcement of the death of Pope Francis aged 88 — A nun prays in Westminster Cathedral in central London following the announcement of the death of Pope Francis (James Manning/PA)

“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.