King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s visit this late October – an all too rare opportunity. This will be their first official branch engagement with the recently elected pontiff. This meeting takes place at a critical moment. It coincides with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a time of joy and contemplation for Catholics worldwide.
Faith plays a role in his life King Charles and his deep faith have been widely reported. He is a longtime friend and supporter of the Catholic Church. His previous visits to the Holy See include several significant occasions: in 1985, 2005, 2009, and 2017. As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, his role is heavy with history. This link goes back as far as the time of Henry VIII.
The latest visit, which would be to Pope Francis on April 9, materialized just as quickly. Organizers hurried to get it in place amid fears for the pope’s health. This private meeting had personal significance for the royal couple, as it fell on their 20th wedding anniversary. During this visit, King Charles expressed his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following his election in May, demonstrating the continuous diplomatic and relational ties between the British monarchy and the Vatican.
Throughout his life, King Charles has made efforts to improve ties between the Anglican and Catholic communities. Perhaps most uniquely, he was the first British monarch to visit the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Birmingham, England. As Prince of Wales, he visited Vatican City five times during his regency. His dedication to interfaith dialogue was clear on these trips, and his passion was contagious.
The United Kingdom and the Holy See only accorded each other full diplomatic relations in 1982. This milestone has fostered continuing dialogue about interfaith partnership and collaboration between these two powerful institutions. This next meeting should ensure that these ties grow even deeper.
King Charles III is approaching his 77th birthday. A closely held faith and commitment to service undergird every service-oriented choice he makes in his role as royal servant. Yet the audience with new Pope Leo XIV is set to be the highlight of the royal calendar. It will be of tremendous significance to the Catholic Church as they celebrate this momentous milestone year together.
