Queen Elizabeth II made an historic visit to the Vatican just months after Pope Francis was elected but this meeting between the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and the Head of the Catholic Church ended up with another royal taking a starring role. Enter Prince George.
The prince wasn’t yet one when his great grandmother visited the first South American Pope at the Holy See. But as they met in front of the cameras, it was the toddler royal who was on both their minds. For as they exchanged well wishes and diplomatic gifts, there was an extra present on the table – for George.
(Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images)
It was a moment laden with history. Pope Francis chose, for George, an orb, made of lapis lazuli, and topped with the cross of St. Edward the Confessor, King of England between 1042 and 1066 and who was canonised in 1161. It was engraved with the words ”Pope Francis, to His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge”.
Queen Elizabeth II, ever practical, was very grateful before telling the Pope that her new great grandson would be ”thrilled with that – when he’s a little older”.
(You Tube still/ fair use)
In return, Pope Francis was given a selection of produce from the royal estates including some honey and some whiskey. The Pope and the Monarch also exchanged photographs, as is customary.
The orb was a significant present. In western cultures, the orb is a symbol of responsibility but also a reminder that this power is given by God. Lapis lazuli signifies wisdom and truth. The cross of St. Edward the Confessor would have been particularly poignant for Queen Elizabeth II who used to send flowers to the tomb of the saint king in Westminster Abbey on the anniversary of his death.
King Charles met Pope Francis at the Vatican during the recent State Visit to Italy. And he may yet return this year – earlier in 2025 it was announced that The King and Queen would make a State Visit to the Holy See this April but that had to be postponed to allow Pope Francis to continue his recuperation following a bout of double pneumonia that led to a hospital stay of several weeks.
The King had said he hoped to be able to celebrate the Jubilee year declared by Pope Francis for 2025 and may hope to return to do just that. Meanwhile, Prince George is about to turn 12 and might just be old enough now to make the most of that special gift that came to dominate another historic meeting between a Monarch and a Pope.
