Lilac for an historic visit

The Queen has chosen lilac for her historic visit to Rome where she will meet Pope Francis I for the first time.  Elizabeth II arrived in Rome around 12.30 local time and headed straight from the airport for a meeting with Giorgio Napolitano, President of Italy.  Her audience with the Pope will follow lunch with the President in a tower with a 360 degrees view of Rome.  Palace officials have confirmed that the Queen will not wear black for her audience with Francis - the first time that she has met a pope at the Vatican and worn a different colour.

Queen Elizabeth II and President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy at her arrival at the Palazzo del Quirinale on April 3rd 2014