King Charles and Queen Camilla made a historic visit to the Vatican on October 23, 2025, marking a momentous occasion as the King and Pope Leo prayed together in the Sistine Chapel—a first for a British monarch and a pope since the 16th Century Reformation. The ecumenical service was a significant step in the ongoing relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, of which King Charles is Supreme Governor.
During their visit, the royal couple was greeted by a group of schoolchildren from the local primary school, Scuola Primaria San Paolo – Istituto Figlie di Cristo, who were waiting outside the Papal Basilica. The children enthusiastically welcomed the King, chanting, “Your Majesty, San Paolo school is honored to welcome you!” King Charles responded warmly, complimenting their English and joking about his own Italian, which prompted laughter from the group. The King also engaged with the children about their studies, asking one boy, “They give you a lot of homework, don’t they? I suspect so.”
The royals’ visit was part of the “Year of Jubilee” for the Catholic Church, a milestone celebrated every 25 years. This year’s event holds special significance in strengthening the ties between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, and King Charles’ participation further underscores the importance of his role as a bridge between the two faiths.
Originally, King Charles and Queen Camilla were scheduled to pray with Pope Francis during their visit to Rome in April, but the pope’s declining health prevented the meeting. Pope Francis passed away in April 2025, and his successor, Pope Leo, was elected in May. Pope Leo, the first American-born pope, made an important gesture to the British royal family when he sent a surprise message of condolences for the passing of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, just a month prior.
Beyond his public duties, King Charles is known for his fondness for children, often having heartwarming encounters during his royal engagements. In his private life, he shares a particularly close bond with his granddaughter, Princess Charlotte. According to royal author Ingrid Seward, the King has always wanted a daughter and has fostered a strong relationship with Charlotte, who is now 10 years old. Seward described Charlotte as a “natural” at royal events, with a palace insider noting that she has “taken to royal duties like a duck to water.”
As Princess Charlotte grows older, her confidence and ease at royal events make it clear that she’s well-prepared for the important role she will play in the royal family’s future. Meanwhile, King Charles’ gentle and engaging interactions with the children he meets further emphasize his approachable and caring nature as a monarch.
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