On April 8, 2025, King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom commenced their state visit to Italy with a formal reception at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. This visit is particularly special as it coincides with the royal couple's twentieth wedding anniversary, marking two decades since their marriage in 2005.
The day began with a grand display of military honors as the British royals arrived at the Quirinale, escorted by 32 members of the Cuirassiers cavalry regiment. President Mattarella and his daughter, Laura, greeted the royals, and national anthems were performed in the courtyard of honor at the palace. The atmosphere was festive, heightened by the simultaneous aerial display of the Italian Frecce Tricolori and the British Red Arrows, which flew over the capital city, showcasing the camaraderie between the two nations.
After the formalities, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a ceremony at the Altare della Patria, where they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They arrived at the monument at 12:09 PM, slightly behind schedule, and were welcomed by Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and military officials. The ceremony included a moment of silence, honoring those who have fallen in service to their country, following which King Charles placed his hands on the wreath's ribbon while a trumpeter played 'Silenzio d'ordinanza'.
Following the wreath-laying, the royal couple planned to visit the Colosseum in the afternoon, further immersing themselves in Italy's rich history and culture. Their itinerary also included a meeting with the British community at Villa Wolkonsky, the residence of the British ambassador.
On April 9, King Charles is set to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Villa Pamphilj and will make history by becoming the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament in Montecitorio. This event is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance cooperation on various issues.
Notably, the royal couple will not meet Pope Francis during their visit, as originally planned. The Vatican announced that the meeting was postponed due to the pontiff's ongoing recovery from pneumonia, which required a cautious approach to his public engagements.
As the visit unfolds, the royal couple will travel to Ravenna on April 10, where they will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the province's liberation from Nazi occupation by Allied Forces. During their time in Ravenna, King Charles and Queen Camilla will pay homage to the tomb of Dante and visit the Byron museum, reflecting their appreciation for Italy's literary heritage.
King Charles, who has a long-standing affection for Italy, has visited the country numerous times in various capacities over the years. His deep connection to Italian culture is well-known, and this visit is seen as a celebration of the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Italy.
During their state dinner at the Quirinale on April 9, the couple is expected to toast to their anniversary with Italian wines, showcasing the culinary richness of the region. The dinner will feature a selection of fine Italian wines, with King Charles favoring red and Queen Camilla preferring white.
In the lead-up to this visit, the royal family shared their excitement on social media, stating, "As we begin our first visit to Italy as King and Queen, we look forward to celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary in such a special place with such wonderful people!" This sentiment reflects the couple's enthusiasm for their Italian engagements and their appreciation for the warm welcome they have received.
As the royal couple embarks on their state visit, the event not only commemorates a significant personal milestone but also serves to reinforce the historical and cultural ties between Italy and the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and friendship in today's world.
