King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Rome at the start of a historic state visit to the Vatican, where they will meet Pope Leo in a symbolic display of unity between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
A stronger relationship between the two Christian denominations is a "bulwark against those promoting conflict, division and tyranny," said a statement from the King's spokesman.
The King, who landed at Ciampino airport on Wednesday evening, will become the first British monarch to pray with a pope since the Reformation in the 16th Century.
But the visit comes against the backdrop of the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew.
When it was announced last Friday that Prince Andrew would lose his titles, and would no longer be called the Duke of York, an important reason was the Palace's desire to prevent questions about Andrew drowning out other royal events.
