The King and Queen have arrived at the Vatican for their State Visit.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were driven into the Vatican for an official welcome before going through to meet Pope Leo XIV.
The State Visit will see King Charles pray next to the Pope – the first time a British Monarch has done such a thing in public with the Pontiff since Henry VIII broke with Rome in the 16th century.
Charles III, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and Pope Leo, Head of the Roman Catholic Church, will also hold a meeting.
The visit will also see them put a focus on the environment and nature, an area both have been vocal about for many years.
The King and Queen arrived in the courtyard of San Damaso as their State Visit got under way. Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza was there to welcome them to the Vatican.
Their Majesties then stood on the red carpet to hear the National Anthem played – a striking moment as the historic visit began.
The Swiss Guard formed lines around the courtyard for the arrival.
King Charles and Queen Camilla then went inside for their meeting with Pope Leo.
The Queen wore black, as is traditional for women meeting the Pope. Her Majesty chose a day dress that finished below the knee and had long sleeves. She also wore a black veil, another tradition, held in place by a striking black headband style hat.
The ecumenical service that will see the Pope pray next to The King takes place in the Sistine Chapel.
Choristers from St. George’s Chapel, Windsor will sing at the service.
Later in the State Visit, King Charles will head to the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls where he will be named a Royal Confrator. A chair created for this moment will be shown to him. It bears his coat of arms and will remain in the basilica in perpetuity for use by his heirs and successors.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source royalcentral.co.uk ’
