King and Queen arrive at Vatican for historic Pope meeting

Charles and Camilla arrived at the San Damaso Courtyard, in St Peter’s Square (Aaron Chown/PA) Aaron Chown

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at Vatican City to begin their formal state visit to the Holy See. Their state limousine travelled through St Peter's Square, where crowds traditionally gather to see the Pope, before reaching San Damaso Courtyard at the ceremonial entrance to the Apostolic Palace.

Reverend Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, Regent of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, waited to greet the royal couple alongside a guard of honour from the Vatican's renowned Swiss Guard. The Swiss Guard, drawn from Swiss Catholic citizens, has protected the head of the Catholic Church for centuries.

The royal couple stood respectfully as the national anthems of both Britain and Vatican City were played during the formal welcome ceremony. They also met with a group of Papal Gentlemen as part of the traditional protocol.

Ceremonial Protocol

Queen Camilla wore a traditional black outfit appropriate for meeting the Pope, including a veil covering her head and shoulders. Her silk dress was designed by Fiona Clare, while milliner Philip Treacy created the mantilla veil, and she wore the late Queen's "raspberry pip" brooch shaped as a cross.

The state visit to the Holy See, which serves as the government of the Roman Catholic Church in the Vatican, holds deep personal significance for King Charles. The visit celebrates the Papal Jubilee, which occurs every 25 years.

Historic Religious Significance

During an ecumenical service in the famous Sistine Chapel, King Charles will become the first British monarch to pray at a public service with the Pope since the Reformation. This historic moment brings together the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and the head of the Catholic Church.

Following the ceremonial welcome, Monsignor Sapienza led the King and Queen into the Apostolic Palace for their formal meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The carefully orchestrated protocol reflects the significance of this diplomatic and religious encounter.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).