King Charles And Queen Camilla Postpone Vatican Visit As Pope Francis Recovers

The UK's King Charles III and Queen Camilla have postponed a planned state visit to the Vatican in early April following medical advice from the pope's doctors.

'Medical advice has now suggested that Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation. Their Majesties send the pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in The Holy See, once he has recovered,' a statement from Buckingham Palace stated.

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.

Francis was discharged on Sunday following almost 40 days in Rome's Gemelli hospital.

Since then, he has concelebrated mass within the Santa Marta guesthouse where he lives, as well as undergoing breathing and speech therapy to help his recovery, according to the Vatican.