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British Royals

The King at blessing of special gift from Pope Francis to Queen Elizabeth II

King Charles has attended the blessing of a tree given to Queen Elizabeth II by Pope Francis.

The present was made in 2022 in honour of Her Late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Cedar of Lebanon has now been planted in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The King joined clergy for the short ceremony of blessing under clear blue skies at Windsor.

As it announced that the tree had been planted and blessed, Buckingham Palace noted that the Cedar of Lebanon represents the flourishing of fortitude, justice and prosperity in the Bible.

In 2014, Pope Franics welcomed Queen Elizabeth II to the Vatican on an official visit.

Following Her Late Majesty’s death, on September 8th 2022, The Pope sent a telegram to King Charles III saying, ”I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth”.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.