In Rome, King Charles III and Queen Camilla commenced their state visit to Italy by meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on the second day of their overseas journey. This visit marks the British monarchโs first trip abroad following a brief hospitalization due to side effects from his cancer treatment.
As part of their tour, the royal couple explored several of Romeโs most renowned landmarks, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Piazza Venezia, where they paid their respects by laying a wreath. They also received a guided tour of the Colosseum, which afforded them the chance to interact with schoolchildren and be welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of both locals and tourists.
Eighteen-year-old Samuele Tassinari, a student from Bologna, expressed his excitement: โI came here specifically to see the royals. Itโs very emotional because itโs the first time Iโve seen them. We saw them earlier on their way to the Quirinale, and later in their usual Bentley. It was very exciting.โ
The royal procession involved over 30 mounted presidential guards accompanying Charles and Camilla to the Quirinale Palace, where they were warmly received by President Mattarella and his daughter in the palace courtyard.
The significance of their visit was further celebrated by a joint aerial display over the presidential palace, featuring the Italian air forceโs Frecce Tricolori and the RAFโs Red Arrows performing a flyover.
On Wednesday evening, a state banquet will be hosted by Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace in honor of the British monarchs, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Charles and Camillaโs marriage.
Additionally, King Charles is set to hold discussions with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday, after which he will become the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament. During this engagement, he plans to emphasize the strong ties between Britain and Italy, both NATO allies committed to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The itinerary also includes a visit to Ravenna in the Emilia Romagna region on Thursday, where they will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Adriatic cityโs liberation by Allied forces. This leg of their visit will also involve celebrating the regional cuisine and meeting with local farmers affected by recent floods.
Buckingham Palace released a statement noting, โThe visit to Italy will underscore the depth and breadth of the bilateral relationship.โ