King Charles and Pope Leo to hope collectively inside Sistine Chapel throughout historic Vatican state go to: Live updates

On Oct 23, 2025

By JAMIE BULLEN, LIVE COVERAGE EDITOR and REBECCA ENGLISH, ROYAL EDITOR

Updated: 09:06, 23 October 2025

King Charles will make history when he prays alongside Pope Leo in the Sistine Chapel during a historic state visit to the Vatican.

Charles will become the first British monarch to appear at a public service with the head of the Catholic Church, since the Reformation, England’s break from Rome, nearly 500 years ago.

His state visit to the Holy See, the government of the Roman Catholic Church in the Vatican, also marks the first meeting with Pope Leo XIV following his papal election in May.

The King and Queen arrived in Rome last night ahead of a day packed with historic events.

Follow the Daily Mail’s live updates on the King’s Vatican visit

King puts Prince Andrew drama to one side as he arrives in Rome

King Charles landed in Rome last night determined to focus on official duties and put the growing furore over his brother Prince Andrew to one side.

The monarch, 76, who despite his ongoing cancer treatement has a packed week of public engagements, is undertaking an historic meeting with Pope Leo this morning along with his wife, Queen Camilla.

As they touched down in Rome she sported a feather print silk dress by Fiona Clare and a brown cashmere trench coat by Anne Valentine. ‘It’s a great pleasure to be here,’ she said.

The King meanwhile told Monsignor Javier Domingo Fernández González, who greeted him on the Pope’s behalf: ‘It’s wonderful to be able to come back to Rome.’

King Charles to meet Pope Leo in the Vatican

Britain's King Charles greets a member of the clergy as he arrives in Rome to undertake a historic State Visit to the Holy See Their Majesties will join His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee year, in Rome, Italy, October 22, 2025. Arthur Edwards/Pool via REUTERS

Hello and welcome to the Daily Mail’s live coverage as King Charles and Queen Camilla begin their state visit to the Vatican by meeting Pope Leo XIV for the first time since he was elected to office.

Charles and Camilla, who arrived in Rome on Wednesday evening, will be greeted by Pope Leo in his official residence, the Apostolic Palace ahead of a historic day of events.

The state visit to the Holy See, the government of the Roman Catholic Church in the Vatican, is understood to be deeply significant for the King personally and will celebrate the Papal Jubilee held every 25 years.

Stick with us for live updates throughout the day with the latest developments from the Vatican.