Queen Camilla steps off plane in elegant trench coat and silk dress as Vatican State Visit begins

The refined ensemble reflected her signature understated style — polished, practical and perfectly suited to the cool autumn evening in the Italian capital.

GB News understands that Her Majesty opted for no special jewellery, allowing the soft movement of her silk dress and the clean lines of her tailored coat to take centre stage.

The look was finished with sheer tights and a pair of brown heels, balancing sophistication with comfort after the short flight from London.

The Queen’s choice of designers carried personal significance. Fiona Clare, a London-based couturier long regarded as one of Her Majesty’s go-to designers, has created many of her bespoke dresses for public engagements in recent years.

Anna Valentine, who designed Camilla’s wedding outfit in 2005, has remained another trusted name in her wardrobe, known for crafting elegant coats and eveningwear that define the Queen’s understated royal style.

On this occasion, Camilla’s outfit struck a diplomatic note — refined yet understated, aligning with the tone of a visit centred on unity, faith and reflection.

The visit marks the couple’s first trip to the Vatican since the death of Pope Francis earlier this year and their first audience with Pope Leo, who was elected five months ago.

Upon arrival, the King and Queen were welcomed on the red carpet by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Dr Anabel Inge, was also present, alongside the Vatican City Head of the Protocol Office, Monsignor Javier Domingo Fernández González.

Finally, retired Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Francesco Canalini, made an appearance at the airport to greet the King and Queen of the United Kingdom.

The two-day visit, taking place from October 22 to 23, is expected to highlight the shared values between the Church of England and the Catholic Church, as well as the King’s commitment to environmental and interfaith cooperation.

On Thursday, the royal couple will attend an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel, where King Charles and Pope Leo will become the first British monarch and pontiff to pray side by side since Henry VIII’s split from Rome more than five centuries ago.

The service will be dedicated to the care of creation — one of the central themes of the visit — and will feature performances from the Sistine Chapel Choir, the Choir of St George’s Chapel, and the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal beneath Michelangelo’s celebrated ceiling.

Later, Their Majesties will visit the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, where the King will be formally granted the title of Royal Confrater of Saint Paul.

The visit coincides with the Vatican’s Jubilee Year, a sacred event held once every 25 years.