It is curious to read the headlines in most reports of the King's historic visit to the Vatican today suggesting it is the first time a British monarch has prayed with a Pope since 1534. Perhaps the Palace briefing has gone awry? In 1534 Henry VIII, having fallen out with Clement VII, had Parliament pass the Act of Supremacy which confirmed the break with Rome, declaring the King supreme head on earth of the Church of England. So it is highly unlikely His Majesty and His Holiness knelt in prayer that year. In fact, there is no evidence that the King (whom Pope Leo X had, in happier days, declared Fidei Defensor) ever met.