The King and Queen have arrived in Rome at the start of their State Visit to the Vatican. In what has been a challenging week for the King, he was said to be "greatly looking forward" to the trip, during which he will meet Pope Leo and make history as the first British monarch since the Reformation to pray publicly with the leader or the Catholic Church. He was also said to be "proud" of the visit's symbolism of the close relationship between the Roman Catholic and Church of England.

"His Majesty is greatly looking forward to meeting Pope Leo and celebrating together the historical significance of this visit, representing, as it does, such a landmark in relationships between the Church of England and the Catholic Church, and between the UK and the Holy See," said a Palace spokesman.

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