Deacon Matthew Reflects on Historic Royal Visit

Deacon Matthew Allen of the Diocese of East Anglia reflected on the historic visit of King Charles III to St Paul’s Basilica and the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, describing it as a moment of humility, unity, and shared Christian service.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded their recent visit to the Vatican with a gesture of warmth and accessibility, greeting well-wishers outside the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls — one of Rome’s four major basilicas. It was a moment steeped in both history and humanity: the first time in more than 500 years that a reigning English monarch had entered the basilica, a site of deep spiritual and historical resonance for the Christian world.

Following the public greetings, His Majesty continued his engagements at the Pontifical Beda College, a seminary for older vocations where men from across the English-speaking world prepare for priesthood. The Beda, located in the heart of Rome, has long maintained close ties with the Catholic Church in England and Wales — including the Diocese of East Anglia.

Among those present for the royal visit was Deacon Matthew Allen, a seminarian from East Anglia who is due to be ordained to the priesthood next year. Deacon Matthew shared his reflections on the significance of the occasion:

“When word spread that His Majesty the King would be visiting the Beda College during his time in Rome, there was a quiet sense of wonder among us. It was not only the novelty of welcoming a monarch, but also the deeper symbolism of that encounter — a British sovereign stepping into the daily life of a Roman Catholic seminary, where faith and service are being shaped in quiet fidelity. His visit formed part of a truly historic moment: the first time in more than five centuries that a reigning English monarch entered the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, visited a Catholic seminary, and prayed with the Holy Father.

The visit itself was marked by simplicity and warmth. His Majesty showed genuine interest in our formation and in the diverse community that makes up the Beda. There was no sense of distance or ceremony for its own sake; rather, it felt like a meeting of fellow servants, each called to a particular vocation of service. That encounter spoke powerfully of leadership rooted in humility and care — a reminder that service, whether royal or priestly, finds its true measure in the love offered to others.

As the visit concluded, we were left with gratitude — not only for the honour of the occasion, but for what it revealed about the continuing journey of friendship between Christians. In the heart of Rome, for a brief moment, faith, history, and hope stood together. It was a moment that spoke softly yet clearly of reconciliation, of shared service, and of the grace that bridges divides long thought unbridgeable.”

The King’s presence at both St Paul’s Basilica and the Beda marked a powerful gesture of unity and goodwill, reinforcing the ongoing relationship between the Catholic Church and the monarchy. For those preparing for priesthood — like Deacon Matthew — it was a reminder that leadership and service are ultimately bound by the same call: to serve with humility, compassion, and faith.

Photographs credit: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

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