King Charles participated in a significant event with the Pope at the Vatican, setting aside any family issues for the occasion. This marked the first time a British monarch had prayed with the Catholic Church’s leader since the Reformation, nearly five centuries ago, during a service in the Sistine Chapel. Accompanied by Queen Camilla, they were warmly welcomed by Pope Leo at the Apostolic Palace for a series of historic activities.
In a momentous ecumenical service at the renowned Sistine Chapel, the King, who serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, became the first British monarch to join a public prayer service with the Catholic Church’s head since the Reformation. Following this, the royal couple attended a service at the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls, where a special seat was designated for King Charles, a tradition to be continued by his successors.
Acknowledging the historical ties between the British monarchy and the basilica, Charles was honored as the “Royal Confrater” of the abbey, symbolizing the longstanding support of monarchs for the preservation of St Paul’s tomb. Meanwhile, back in the UK, focus remains on Prince Andrew as calls for scrutiny over his rent-free mansion persist amid allegations of misconduct, which he vehemently denies.
Queen Camilla’s final engagement during the State Visit included meeting Catholic sisters from The International Union of Superiors General, commending their efforts in aiding vulnerable women and girls in impoverished regions worldwide. The Queen expressed admiration for their work and humility in the face of their dedication to challenging environments and causes like human trafficking, healthcare, and education.
The King and Queen’s visit to the Vatican also included moments of reflection at historical sites like St Paul’s Basilica, where Charles paused by a mosaic of Pope Adrian IV, the only British pope in history. Furthermore, the royal couple engaged in discussions on various topics, including environmental protection and poverty alleviation, emphasizing shared commitments to global peace and security.
The event concluded with the royal pair attending a reception at the Pontifical Beda College, where an orange tree was planted to commemorate the visit. The King’s newly bestowed title as the Royal Confrater of the Abbey of St. Paul highlighted the spiritual and historical significance of the visit, fostering continued dialogue and collaboration between the British monarchy and the Vatican.