King Charles Gave Camilla a Sweet ‘Warning’ During Vatican Visit — but Didn't Follow It Himself
King Charles and Queen Camilla concluded their visit to Vatican City on October 24 with a historic meeting with Pope Leo. The occasion marked the first time in 500 years that a British monarch had publicly prayed with a pontiff. Earlier that day, the royal couple were greeted by the British Ambassador upon their arrival at Ciampino Airport in Rome. According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, footage from the evening showed Charles gently 'warning' Camilla to be careful while stepping off the plane, only for him to ironically lose his balance moments later.
After Italian fighter jets gave them a military escort in the skies above Rome, King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for the start of a four day State Visit to Italy (the State Visit to the Vatican had to be cancelled due to the Pope’s health).
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The King and Queen will be in… pic.twitter.com/36JYnvHbp5
As per The Royal Insider, Hickling revealed, "As King Charles and Queen Camilla stepped out of the plane doors, the King could be seen turning to his wife, cautioning her, 'You ought to be careful going down the steps.' Ironically, just as he spoke, he appeared to lose his own footing before quickly steadying himself and making a brisk recovery."
After Charles and Camilla successfully got off the plane, albeit without tripping, Hickling revealed what the couple said during their conversation with the crowd gathered. "Moments later, speaking to those waiting to greet them, the King lightened the atmosphere by saying to an officer or pilot, 'You have the same name as me. You’re also a Charles, I see.' The man replied, 'Absolutely.'" According to the expert, Charles then reportedly added, "Marvellous journey… It’s wonderful to be able to come back to Rome, and what a warm welcome.'"
Charles and Camilla's historic state visit saw them meet the new American pontiff following his election in May. According to The Telegraph, Camilla made history by receiving the highest-ranking papal honor. She was bestowed with the Dame Grand Cross of the Vatican Order, recognizing her distinguished service to the Catholic Church and its mission. Meanwhile, Charles also received the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Vatican Order of Pope Pius IX, given to Heads of State. During their visit, the Queen Consort was seen wearing the Grand Cross, symbolizing her new title, suspended from a broad ribbon over the right shoulder with a star displayed beneath.
On the first day of their visit, the King publicly attended a prayer service at the Sistine Chapel. It broke a centuries-old tradition as reigning monarchs have traditionally avoided praying publicly with the pontiff since the 16th-century Reformation. For over 500 years, political and religious tensions following King Henry VIII’s split from the Catholic Church meant that sovereigns refrained from such acts of ecumenism.
The King and Queen were initially set to visit the Vatican in April, but postponed their visit due to the late Pope Francis’s frail health.