Charles, Camilla Make Historic Vatican State Visit

King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a state visit to the Vatican on Oct. 23, 2025, during which Charles became the first British monarch in about 500 years to pray publicly with a pope as the couple met Pope Leo and took part in an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel. Camilla observed Vatican protocol by wearing black — a silk Fiona Clare dress with a Philip Treacy mantilla — and wore the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 'raspberry pip' cross brooch, largely selecting previously worn pieces. The royal arrival included formal Vatican honours, including the Swiss Guard, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, national anthems and meetings with Papal Gentlemen. The filmed prayers were presented as a deliberate gesture of unity. Camilla’s dramatic headpiece prompted mixed reactions online, while commentators emphasized the visit’s diplomatic and personal significance.