King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at Vatican City in Rome to meet Pope Leo XIV for the first time since he was elected to office.
Today, the monarch will join the Pope in public prayer for the first time since the Reformation during an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel.
King Charles, in his role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, will participate in the historic ceremony alongside Pope Leo XIV as part of the Papal Jubilee festivities, which occur once every quarter-century.
The unprecedented religious gathering forms the centrepiece of the King and Queen’s two-day official visit to the Vatican, which commenced yesterday evening when the royal couple touched down in Rome.
King Charles and Queen have arrived at Vatican City in Rome to meet Pope Leo XIV for the first time since he was elected to office.
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The royal couple were received by the pontiff at his Apostolic Palace residence.
The Vatican has arranged several ceremonial honours for the visiting monarch during the State Visit.
A permanent throne will be installed at the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls specifically for the King, which will be preserved for use by future British sovereigns visiting the holy site.
King Charles will receive the title of “Royal Confrater” from the Benedictine Abbey associated with the basilica, acknowledging the British Crown’s centuries-old financial support for maintaining St Paul’s tomb.
The royal couple were received by the pontiff at his Apostolic Palace residence.
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The royal programme includes a reception at the Pontifical Beda College, which prepares Catholic priests from Commonwealth nations, whilst the Queen has scheduled meetings with six religious sisters representing the International Union of Superiors General.
The Vatican journey was originally scheduled for April but had to be rescheduled when Pope Francis fell ill, though the royal couple did manage a private audience with him before his death later that month.
This marks the King’s third papal encounter, having previously met Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II during their respective tenures.
The State Visit concludes with the King attending the seminary reception whilst Queen Camilla engages with the Catholic sisters’ delegation.
Queen Camilla stepped out in a Fiona Clare black silk dress for the engagement this morning.
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Palace sources indicate the visit holds particular personal importance for the King, representing a milestone in Anglican-Catholic relations nearly five centuries after England’s break with Rome.
Queen Camilla stepped out in a Fiona Clare black silk dress for the engagement this morning.
The Queen was also seen wearing a Philip Treacy mantilla and raspberry pip brooch in the shape of a cross.