Beneath Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling, the King and the Pope prayed together publicly for the first time in 500 years. It was a hugely significant moment, symbolising unity and reconciliation between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church.
Charles, a lover of art, appeared in awe as he walked through the Apostolic Palace, admiring the grand interiors and impressive artwork on display. As he walked into the Sistine Chapel, his eyes immediately darted to the ceiling to admire one of the most renowned artworks in the world.
The most significant moment occurred when the King and the Pope prayed together. A symbolic moment that brought the two churches together after years of animosity.
Charles looked sombre throughout, keenly aware of the historical significance of the event as a deeply religious man.
A second service, this time at St Paul’s Outside the Walls, saw the King conferred as a Royal Confrater – another symbolic gesture bringing together the two churches. His visit was also marked by the gift of a new special chair, which will remain in the Basilica as a mark of their enduring friendship.
But for a visit steeped in reconciliation, the scandal engulfing Prince Andrew remained at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Even the local media and embassy staff were eager for updates on whether the Palace would take further action against the disgraced Prince.
Aides had hoped that last week’s decision for Andrew to relinquish the use of his dukedom would be enough to prevent the issue from overshadowing the Vatican trip.
But an onslaught of further revelations about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to emerge came just as Andrew’s sex accuser Virginia Giuffre’s memoir was published.
And on Wednesday, the prime minister added fuel to the fire when he backed an enquiry into Prince Andrew’s living arrangements at Royal Lodge.
Up until then the Government had deferred the issue to the Royal Family, refusing to be drawn into the scandal.
While the whirlwind trip was undoubtedly a significant one, there’s no doubt that his brother marred the event.
Kensington Palace will be watching the coverage of the state visit keenly, as they won’t want the Prince of Wales’s upcoming visit to the Vatican overshadowed by the scandal.