Two seminarians from the Archdiocese of Liverpool have spoken of their “incredible” experience meeting His Majesty King Charles III during his recent visit to the Vatican.

The King and Queen attended an ecumenical service at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls before visiting the Pontifical Beda College, where our seminarians are currently studying for the priesthood.

Beda student Dan Howarth described the day as “a moment in history”, emphasising the symbolic significance of the King’s presence at one of Rome’s four major basilicas.

“Being part of the King’s visit to St Paul Outside the Walls was incredible,” he said. “It was a moment in history that will be remembered by both Anglicans and Catholics alike. To be there, praying along in the words that Jesus gave us—in the prayer that unites all Christians—was for me, epic!”

Dan was among those who met the King personally during a visit to the college’s garden, where an orange tree was planted in His Majesty’s honour.

“He asked me how long I had left at college,” Dan recalls. “He looked shocked to hear our course is only four years, but then gave me a wink when I explained that it’s because we are ‘old students’! The King was approachable, down to earth, and radiated a warmth from his greeting that I was not expecting.”

The visit also included a welcome from the Scots College bagpiper, a reception with college staff and students, and a celebratory meal hosted by the British Embassy.

Fellow seminarian Dominic Redcliffe reflected on the powerful ecumenical dimension of the day.

“As Beda students we were invited to the Ecumenical Service across the road at St Paul’s Basilica,” Dominic said. “Because the service wasn’t open to the general public, we found ourselves very close to the sanctuary with a clear view of the King and Queen.”

He described the moving scene as Their Majesties walked the length of the vast basilica and descended to the tomb of St Paul.

“It was quite striking to see them walking without any staff, like so many pilgrims before them. The service felt rich with symbolism of the Catholic Church and Anglican Church meeting together through scripture, prayer and sacred music. I really got the impression that the welcome given to the King was of warmth and mutual respect and renewing the historic link with the monarch and the tomb of St Paul.”

Returning to the Beda, Dominic was able to see the King from just a few feet away after expecting only a distant glimpse.

“It’s a strange feeling seeing someone you’ve only ever seen on TV suddenly right in front of you. Yes—he actually is real!” he joked. “It was also my first time seeing the State Bentley up close, which was huge.”

The day concluded with a British Embassy reception—complete with fish and chips and trifle—which gave students and guests time to reflect on what many described as an unexpectedly moving day.

“Quite a few people commented on how the symbolism of the day had made a positive impression on them,” Dominic added. “The sense of shared Christian heritage really came through.”

Dan agreed, calling it “a truly ecumenical and international day.”

The Royal visit also included a Royal honour for Liverpool-born Archbishop Paul Gallagher: read more.