A Personal Reflection on a Historic Encounter

Dear Friends

On 23 October 2025, King Charles III joined Pope Louis XIV in prayer within the Sistine Chapel. As I watched, something stirred in me so deeply that it brought me to tears.

I was reminded of the significance of this moment. The execution of King Charles I in 1649 was not only political but spiritual. His perceived Catholic sympathies were among the forces that drove Oliver Cromwell and Parliament to the unthinkable: the beheading of a reigning monarch.

So, to witness another King Charles, centuries later, standing in prayer beside the leader of the Catholic Church felt profoundly symbolic and healing.

I was so moved that I wrote to both the King and the Pope to express what this moment meant to me, and I enclosed my new book at the same time.

In December, I received a letter from Buckingham Palace in which His Majesty thanked me for this generous gift. It continued:

“His Majesty greatly appreciates that you should have taken the trouble to write to him as you did and was touched by your thoughtful words of support. The King and the Queen were deeply moved by the historical significance of the meeting… and were most heartened to learn of the importance of this visit for you.
Your most thoughtful gesture is greatly appreciated. His Majesty would have me convey to you his heartfelt gratitude and warmest good wishes.”

To know that my letter not only reached them but resonated was wonderful. It made me feel, in a small way, connected to this history.

His Majesty spoke of this visit in his Christmas Day speech and continued to encourage understanding and healing between all people.

Thank you for your prayers. We will continue to bring healing and reconciliation to this part of history.

Wishing you a happy and blessed New Year.

Shirley