Pope Francis passed away yesterday at the age of 88 after a full and successful life. As well as being known for his service, the late Pope was also known for having met not only one but two British monarchs. As well as meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla in the Vatican just weeks before his death, he had also previously met the late Queen Elizabeth II.
It is believed the pair got on very well, with the Pope having also made a very sweet gesture during their 2014 meeting that showed just how kind he was. When the late Queen and Prince Philip visited him at the Vatican, the late Pope gave Her Majesty a priceless gift for Prince George. This was an orb made from lapis lazuli semi-precious stone featuring a silver cross of St Edward the Confessor.
The ornament, which was made especially for the occasion, featured an inscription which read: “From Pope Francis to Prince George of Cambridge.”
It was given to Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh to pass on to the prince, who was less than a year old at the time. It was also accompanied by a manuscript dating back to 1679 proclaiming Edward the Confessor’s saint day.
The Pope told the late Queen that “it’s for the little boy” as he handed the gifts to her. She replied with just one six-word response: “He will be thrilled with that.”
She then added: “When he’s a little older.”
The late Prince Philip, who was 92 at the time of the visit, was also given a gift from the late Pope of three gold medals bearing the Pontiff’s face.
While both Philip and Elizabeth seemed thrilled with their gifts, Pope Francis also seemed delighted by the presents gifted to him by the royal couple.
These gifts included two signed pictures of themselves in silver frames and a hamper of items from the royal estates, including honey, aromatherapy soaps, Balmoral whisky and Grandad’s chutney.
The meeting was deemed a success, with the Pope having been seemingly fond of both the late Queen Elizabeth and her son King Charles.