King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently in Rome for an official audience with Pope Leo — their first meeting with the new pontiff since his election.

The encounter marks a historic milestone: King Charles has become the first British monarch to pray with a pope since King Henry VIII’s break with Rome nearly 500 years ago. The meeting is seen as a symbolic gesture of unity and reconciliation after centuries of religious and political tension between the British crown and the Vatican.

For much of history, relations between Britain and the Holy See were marked by conflict — from the English Reformation and religious persecution to wars and dynastic struggles that saw one monarch dethroned partly over fears of a Catholic succession. Yet in recent decades, ties have steadily warmed, culminating in this landmark royal visit.

Queen Camilla’s Outfit and the ‘Privilege of White’

During the meeting, Queen Camilla observed papal protocol by wearing a black dress and a lace mantilla — the traditional attire for women meeting the pope. According to Vatican custom, women are expected to wear black, modest clothing with a head covering.