King Charles and Queen Camilla have officially arrived in Rome to begin their highly anticipated four-day State Visit to Italy.
The royal couple’s visit, which aims to strengthen ties between the UK and Italy, is being hailed as historic, marking their first State Visit as King and Queen.
The couple landed at Ciampino 31st Wing Airport and were greeted by both British and Italian officials, enjoying a warm red carpet welcome.
Health Concerns Do Not Stop the Royal Couple
Despite his ongoing cancer treatment, King Charles, 76, was determined to make the journey.
He had been hospitalized just 12 days before the visit for observation after experiencing side effects from his treatment.
His doctors had cleared him for the trip, and royal sources confirmed that he is in good spirits and excited about the engagements ahead.
In total, the King and Queen have a packed schedule of 19 events between now and Thursday, although some planned Vatican engagements had to be canceled due to Pope Francis’s recovery from double pneumonia.
The Royals’ Accommodation at Villa Wolkonsky
For their stay in Rome, King Charles and Queen Camilla are residing at Villa Wolkonsky, the official residence of the British Ambassador to Italy.
The villa, steeped in history, was originally owned by Russian Princess Zenaïde Wolkonsky in the 19th century.
It boasts serene surroundings, including a 1st-century aqueduct and lush grounds.
The villa has been part of British diplomatic history since 1951 and will serve as a peaceful retreat for the royal couple during their stay.
Celebrating Their 20th Anniversary
The couple’s visit coincides with their 20th wedding anniversary, and although their schedules will keep them busy, they will share a special moment at a glamorous black-tie State Banquet hosted by President Mattarella at the Palazzo Quirinale in the evening.
While the day will largely be filled with engagements, the evening’s celebrations will mark a significant milestone in the couple’s relationship.
Strengthening UK-Italy Relations
British Ambassador to Italy, Lord Llewelyn, described the visit as a pivotal moment in the UK’s relationship with Italy.
As the UK seeks to strengthen ties following Brexit, the visit is an opportunity to discuss important issues such as defense, sustainability, and clean energy.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will also participate in events showcasing the strong cultural and economic bonds between the two nations.
A Strong Partnership on the Global Stage
A highlight of the visit will be a joint military fly-past over Rome by the Red Arrows and Italy’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatic teams.
The royal couple will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Ravenna during World War II, a significant moment for the UK and Canada, as British and Canadian forces played a crucial role in freeing the city from Nazi occupation.
This visit will also see King Charles make history by becoming the first British monarch to address both houses of Italy’s parliament.
He will discuss various topics, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the strengthening of defense cooperation between the UK and Italy.
The UK is also collaborating with Italy and Japan on the development of next-generation fighter aircraft.
Celebrating Cultural Connections
The royals will also celebrate Italy’s rich cultural heritage, including a visit to Dante’s tomb and the Byron museum in Ravenna.
Queen Camilla will take a solo trip to explore Italy’s literary history, while the King’s visit will emphasize the historical and ongoing relationship between the two countries.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s State Visit to Italy promises to leave a lasting impact, with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation, cultural exchange, and commemorating shared history.
Despite the health challenges faced by the King, both royals are enthusiastic about the trip and the opportunities it presents to further strengthen UK-Italy relations.
