King Charles III made a historic address to the Italian Parliament on April 9, 2025, marking the first time a British monarch has spoken before the joint chambers of Italy's legislature. Accompanied by Queen Camilla, the royal couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on the same day, adding a personal touch to the state visit.
Upon arrival at Montecitorio, the royal couple received a warm welcome from Italian dignitaries, including Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and Ignazio La Russa, President of the Senate. The atmosphere was filled with applause and a standing ovation as King Charles took the podium to express his gratitude for the invitation from President Sergio Mattarella.
In his speech, King Charles emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the United Kingdom and Italy, stating, "I am enormously honored to be here today and very grateful to President Mattarella for his kind invitation to undertake a state visit to Italy." He humorously added, "I hope I am not ruining the language of Dante so much that I am no longer invited to Italy." This light-hearted remark set a friendly tone for his address.
The King highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, noting that their relationship dates back over two millennia, beginning with ancient Roman visitors to British shores. He acknowledged the significant contributions of British and Allied soldiers during World War II, stating, "We will remember the terrible price of war and the precious gift of peace." He also expressed gratitude to the Italians who provided refuge to British soldiers during the war, recognizing their bravery.
"Britain and Italy stand united in defense of democratic values. Our countries have both stood by Ukraine in her hour of need, and our armed forces stand side by side in NATO," King Charles declared. He praised Italy for hosting key NATO bases and leading numerous overseas operations, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between the two nations.
The King also touched on the importance of environmental cooperation, stating, "It is deeply encouraging to see both our countries working together to tackle biodiversity loss and cut emissions." He commended Italian entrepreneurs for their pioneering achievements in clean energy and expressed hope for continued collaboration in this area.
King Charles's address included references to notable historical figures, such as Giuseppe Garibaldi and Giovanni Falcone, the legendary anti-mafia prosecutor. The mention of Falcone received a standing ovation from the assembled lawmakers, highlighting the respect and admiration for his legacy in Italy.
As part of the day's events, King Charles and Queen Camilla also visited Pope Francis at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. This meeting was particularly poignant, occurring on the anniversary of their marriage and amid the Pope's recovery from recent health issues. The Vatican press office reported that Pope Francis extended his best wishes to the royal couple for their anniversary and reciprocated with hopes for the King's swift recovery.
Earlier in the day, the royal couple had a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Villa Doria Pamphilj. The Prime Minister welcomed the King with a ceremonial guard of honor, and the two leaders discussed various topics, including economic cooperation and global challenges.
During their visit, King Charles expressed appreciation for the approximately 500,000 Italians living, working, and studying in the UK, noting that this exchange enriches both societies. He also highlighted the flourishing economic ties, with trade between Italy and the UK surpassing 35 billion euros in 2024.
In a nod to cultural connections, King Charles remarked, "Nearly a third of Shakespeare's plays were set here in Italy," illustrating the long-standing artistic influence between the two countries. He humorously acknowledged the culinary exchanges, stating, "I hope you will forgive us for occasionally corrupting your wonderful cuisine!"
As the day progressed, the royal couple attended a performance of Shakespeare's Othello at the ex Mattatoio in Rome, where they interacted with students from the National Academy of Dramatic Art. This cultural engagement underscored the importance of artistic collaboration between Italy and the UK.
The day culminated in a gala dinner hosted by President Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace, where the King raised a toast to the enduring friendship between the two nations. He expressed optimism for future collaborations and reaffirmed the commitment to work together in addressing global challenges.
Reflecting on the significance of the visit, King Charles stated, "Whatever challenges and uncertainties we inevitably face as nations, we can overcome them together, and we will. When we have done so, we can say, 'E quindi uscimmo a riveder le stelle,'" quoting Dante in a heartfelt conclusion to his address.
This state visit not only reinforced the historical ties between the UK and Italy but also set the stage for future cooperation in various fields, including defense, environmental sustainability, and cultural exchange. As King Charles and Queen Camilla prepare to continue their journey in Italy, their visit stands as a testament to the enduring bond between these two nations.
