King Charles has said he and Queen Camilla were “deeply saddened” at the news of Pope Francis’s death, as they paid tribute to his “compassion” and “tireless commitment” to people of faith.

The King said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace that their “heavy hearts” had been “somewhat eased” by the Pope being able to “share an Easter greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion”.

The King, alongside Camilla, met the pontiff on a state visit to Italy earlier this month – one of several he said he remembered with “particular affection”.

The Royal couple had a private meeting with Pope Francis, where he wished them a happy 20th wedding anniversary.