King Charles and Queen Camilla reportedly arrived in Rome on a British Government aircraft. With this visit, they will be making the sixth visit of its kind to the Holy See. The flight departed from Farnborough Airport and landed at Ciampino 31st Wing Airport shortly before 6:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
As guests disembarked, King Charles looked a little apprehensive but obviously thrilled with the journey. To which the Pontiff replied that he was happy, “very happy to be back in Rome.” His words on stage made clear his profound attachment to the city.
Queen Camilla made a fashionable entrance in a dramatic feather print silk dress by Fiona Clare. She finished her outfit off with a signature brown cashmere trench by Anna Valentine. The work has only begun, and the couple were greeted to a rousing welcome home from the party. We are delighted to be here.
This is their first return to the Vatican since last April’s visit. On that trip, they were able to have a private audience with Pope Francis to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. We want to make this visit count! It will be their first meeting with Pope Leo XIV since he was elected in May. The meeting represents a historic development in the ongoing dialogue between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
Time pass—King Charles and Pope Leo XVI will pray together in the Sistine Chapel. This meeting is included as a piece of a special ecumenical service throughout their visit. This year’s event is especially historic. It means that King Charles will become the first British monarch since the Reformation to publicly pray alongside the leader of the Catholic Church.
His Majesty looks forward to meeting Pope Leo and, alongside him, reflecting on the historical importance of this visit, an occasion that should prove a landmark moment in the ongoing relationship between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church, as well as between the United Kingdom and the Holy See.” Palace spokesman.
In his lifetime as Prince of Wales, Charles visited the Vatican and met with four different pontiffs. His meeting with Pope Leo was probably the most remarkable of all. He stressed the importance of oneness for Christian communities amid global crisis. He added, “In times like these, it’s more important than ever for Christian communities around the globe to unite in prayer and mission with our brothers and sisters.”
