The victorious King’s XI was composed of members of the monarch’s household.
The match was the culmination of the Vatican side’s Light of Faith UK tour - its tenth foreign trip since its foundation in 2014.
During the tour the Vatican has also played against the England Seniors team and St Mary’s University.
Before the match, Fr Eamonn O’Higgins, the Vatican squad’s manager, had read out a message from Pope Francis.
The Pope sent his greetings to both teams and expressed his hope that the event would be an occasion to “build bridges of fraternal solidarity, promote Christian unity, and advance generous charitable initiatives”.
King Charles had also prepared a message for the occasion.
The monarch pointed out that this was the fourth match between the Vatican and a royal team.
He added he was “delighted” that the two sides had “once again been brought together by the love of cricket”.
Noting that the Vatican are “reigning champions”, having won the previous match, the King added that he was “await[ing] keenly to hear of the result!”
ANSA
