The Queen has made history countless times throughout her 70-year reign and 17 October 1980 was no exception. On that day, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British Monarch to make a state visit to the Vatican.
The historic visit was seen as a historic opportunity to forge relations between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. Her Majesty was accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh as she dressed in a long, black taffeta gown in line with Vatican protocol. For women about to meet The Pope, their shoulders should be covered and there should be a high neckline. Dresses and skirts should fall just below the knee, and shoes need to be closed-toe. As far as accessories, the jewelry should be discreet and a black veil or mantilla is recommended.
Trumpets sounded and the royal procession moved slowly along the corridor into the Clementine Hall as The Pope welcomed the royals for what was described as a “warm and relaxed visit.” The Queen and Duke were welcomed by John Paul II at the door of his private library. Following the meeting, The Queen opened her speech with assurances of sincere friendship and goodwill.
Private talks followed throughout The Queen’s visit. She was presented a facsimile of the manuscript of Dante’s Divine Comedy with its illustration of the Order of the Garter in the time of Edward IV. In return, Her Majesty gifted a book about Windsor Castle by St John Hope as well as two signed photographs. Following the private moments, The Queen and Duke met with the Pope’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Casaroli, at the home of the British Minister to the Holy See, Mark Heath.
Two years following her visit, The Pope was invited to England but made it clear the trip would not be a state visit. He said at the time: “I render homage to the Christian history of your people, as well as to their cultural achievements. The ideals of freedom and democracy, anchored in your past, remain challenges for every generation of upright citizens in your land.”
In the years following, Pope John Paul II and The Queen continued to build their friendship. In 1982, The Pope made a historic visit to Buckingham Palace. In 2000, Her Majesty returned to the Vatican to mark the 20th anniversary of their first meeting.
The Pope died on Saturday 2 April 2005 after failing to recover from a throat operation. The Prince of Wales postponed his wedding to the Duchess of Cornwall by 24 hours to attend his funeral.
