Since taking the throne in September 2022, King Charles has traveled to 10 countries without carrying a passport. That is not a special exception for one trip or one destination. It is a standing rule for the reigning monarch. According to Hello!, the sovereign does not require a British passport because the document is issued in His Majesty’s name. That makes the usual process unnecessary for the King, even though other senior royals still need passports when they travel abroad.
King Charles Follows a Longstanding Royal Rule
The policy is set out on the monarchy’s official website in clear terms: "When travelling overseas, the Sovereign does not require a British passport." The explanation goes further: "As a British passport is issued in the name of His Majesty, it is unnecessary for The King to possess one. All other Members of the Royal Family, including The Queen and The Prince of Wales, have passports." Before he became monarch, Charles did travel with a passport while serving overseas as Prince of Wales.
Queen Elizabeth II Traveled the Same Way
The rule also applied to Queen Elizabeth II throughout her historic reign. She did not carry a passport during visits to 117 countries over 70 years on the throne. The wording inside British passports helps explain why. It requests safe passage for the bearer in the name of His Majesty and asks authorities to provide assistance and protection where needed. In Commonwealth realms where the King is sovereign, the formula is adjusted to reflect the Governor-General as the monarch’s representative, while Canada uses a version made in the King’s name by the foreign affairs minister.
King Charles and Queen Camilla Attended Peter Phillips’ Wedding
The latest public outing for King Charles and Queen Camilla came at the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling on Saturday. The ceremony took place in Kemble, but the royal couple did not stay for the reception at Gatcombe Park, Princess Anne’s home. Instead, they left shortly after the vows and were flown by helicopter to Epsom Downs Racecourse. Their schedule appeared tightly timed, and both kept on their wedding outfits for the next engagement, with Charles in a suit and Camilla in a cream dress topped with a yellow-brimmed hat.
Harriet Sperling Wore a Vintage Diamond and Pearl Tiara
Harriet’s bridal look drew attention for its elegant details and royal connections. She wore a column-style gown with a lace neckline, long sleeves and a dramatic train by Emilia Wickstead. There had been questions before the ceremony about whether she would wear a tiara, since such choices carry royal significance. As reported by Hello!, Harriet wore a vintage diamond and pearl tiara loaned by Pragnell, the British jeweller behind her engagement ring and wedding earrings. Because Princess Anne declined royal titles for Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, Harriet does not receive a royal title through marriage.
