His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met on September 21, 2026, with His Majesty King Charles III at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
This was their second meeting since the British Monarch’s accession to the Throne. The first took place in October 2022. Before that, His All-Holiness and the then Prince of Wales had met in London.
As an exceptional gesture, the King received the Patriarch for a private meeting at his personal summer residence. Their conversation had been scheduled to last half an hour but was extended by another half hour, in a very warm and friendly atmosphere.
Upon the departure of His All-Holiness, the British Monarch escorted him to the exit of the Castle.
Accompanying His All-Holiness at this important meeting were His Grace Bishop Raphael of Ilion, who serves in Scotland, and the Very Reverend Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office.
