The royal couple, King and Queen, have arrived in Rome to begin their State Visit to the Holy See amidst public outcry over Prince Andrew’s use of his Royal Lodge residence. Their two-day itinerary in Vatican City includes a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, marking the first encounter between Charles and Camilla and the newly elected Pope.
A significant event awaits King Charles as he, in his role as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, is set to make history by being the first British monarch to participate in a public service with the Pope, head of the Catholic Church, in almost 500 years. The royal pair landed at Ciampino 31st Wing Airport after their British Government aircraft from Farnborough Airport touched down before 6:30 pm.
Upon exiting the plane, they were formally greeted by representatives from the Holy See, including Ambassador Christopher Trott, Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Anabel Inge, and Vatican City Head of Protocol, Monsignor Javier Domingo Fernández González.
Dressed in a feather print silk dress by Fiona Clare and a brown cashmere trench coat by Anna Valentine, Queen Camilla expressed her delight at being present, while King Charles conveyed his pleasure to Archbishop Canalini about returning to Rome.
Having visited the Vatican on five occasions as Prince of Wales, Charles has met with three popes previously. The current visit comes at a time when Buckingham Palace is embroiled in further controversies surrounding Prince Andrew and his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
The attention has shifted to Andrew’s long-standing use of his 30-bedroom Windsor mansion, raising concerns as it was revealed that he has not paid rent for over 20 years. The lease agreement, disclosed by the Crown Estate, indicated a nominal annual payment of ‘one peppercorn (if demanded)’ and a clause entitling Andrew to a substantial sum if he relinquished the lease, prompting inquiries into potential financial implications for taxpayers.
In response to mounting scrutiny, parliamentary committees may investigate the handling of the grand estate in Windsor Great Park, supported by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Amidst these developments, discussions have emerged about the possibility of stripping Andrew of his dukedom through new legislation introduced in Parliament.
The public sentiment is largely in favor of formally removing Andrew’s dukedom, as indicated by a recent YouGov poll. The King’s visit aims to strengthen ties between the Church of England and the Catholic Church, emphasizing unity in faith and fellowship during challenging times.
The royal couple’s schedule includes a prayer session with Pope Leo at the Sistine Chapel and a visit to St. Paul’s Outside the Walls before meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Buckingham Palace anticipates a significant and symbolic milestone in the relationship between the UK and the Holy See during this State Visit.
