King Charles and Queen Camilla’s recent visit to the Vatican marked a momentous occasion in royal history, blending spirituality with lighthearted moments of connection. On Thursday, October 23, the royal couple traveled to Rome to meet with Pope Leo, the 70-year-old pontiff, in a significant meeting that included a public prayer in the Sistine Chapel. This ecumenical service was historic as it marked the first time in centuries that a British monarch had prayed with a pope in public, since the Reformation of the 16th century. The event was both a solemn and profound gesture of unity between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, with King Charles serving as the Supreme Governor of the latter.
Following the intimate and spiritual service, the King and Queen had a heartwarming encounter with a group of schoolchildren from the local primary school, Scuola Primaria San Paolo – Istituto Figlie di Cristo, who had gathered outside the Papal Basilica to greet them. The children enthusiastically chanted in unison, “Your Majesty, San Paolo school is honored to welcome you!” This cheerful reception delighted the royal couple, with King Charles jokingly complimenting their English skills. “You have excellent English, better than my Italian,” he remarked, eliciting laughter from the young students.
The conversation turned more personal when the King, always keen to engage with children, asked one boy, “They give you a lot of homework, don’t they? I suspect so.” The lighthearted exchange exemplified King Charles’ warmth and approachable nature, showing a more playful side to the monarch’s public persona.
This visit was especially significant as it coincided with the “Year of Jubilee” for the Catholic Church, a milestone event marked every 25 years that is considered a significant moment in relations between the Catholic Church and the Church of England. The royal couple’s visit to Vatican City was originally planned for April 2025, but was delayed due to the illness and subsequent death of Pope Francis. Pope Leo, who succeeded him earlier this year, made his own mark on royal relations by sending a message of condolences to the British royal family upon the passing of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, a gesture that further solidified the warm ties between the Vatican and the royals.
While King Charles’ visit to the Vatican was historically important, it also reflected his affinity for engaging with the younger generation. Whether during public events or in private moments with his family, the King has often shown a special fondness for children. Royal insiders have long remarked on the close bond he shares with his granddaughter, Princess Charlotte, noting that he “once wanted a daughter” and has fostered a particularly strong relationship with her. Ingrid Seward, a royal author, shared with PEOPLE that King Charles and Princess Charlotte share a sweet connection, and he enjoys spending time with her whenever possible.
At just 10 years old, Princess Charlotte is already showing signs of being a natural at royal duties. Sources close to the family have described her as adapting to royal events effortlessly, with one palace insider telling PEOPLE that Charlotte “has taken to royal events like a duck to water.” As her father, Prince William, prepares to ascend the throne, Charlotte’s role within the royal family is expected to grow, and it’s clear that King Charles will continue to play a central, nurturing role in her life as both a grandfather and a monarch.
This visit to the Vatican, filled with both solemn prayer and lighthearted moments with children, highlighted King Charles and Queen Camilla’s deep commitment to fostering positive relationships with both the church and future generations. Their interactions with the schoolchildren in Rome were a touching reminder of the personal warmth they bring to their royal duties, and a glimpse into the next chapter of the royal family’s
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