King Charles and Queen Camilla marked a special milestone as they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at a lavish State Banquet in Rome.
The royal couple, joined by a host of distinguished guests, including renowned Italian personalities like Andrea Bocelli and Rocco Forte, were hosted at the Palazzo Quirinale, the official residence of Italy’s President.
Their arrival was met with excitement and posed for photographs before heading inside for an evening filled with royal elegance and heartfelt toasts.
Queen Camilla’s Elegant Anniversary Look
Queen Camilla, 77, dazzled in a green lace gown designed by Fiona Clare.
Her look was complemented by a stunning turquoise and diamond necklace, a sentimental piece once owned by her beloved mother, Mrs. Rosalind Shand.
King Charles, as always, looked regal in a black tie and wore his UK Order of Merit neck order along with various prestigious medals.
The royal couple’s attire made a statement of both elegance and tradition, fitting for such a significant occasion.
A Warm Welcome by President Mattarella
Upon their arrival, the King and Queen were received by President Sergio Mattarella’s Aide-de-Camp, General Marco Nasi, and welcomed into the historic Palazzo Quirinale.
After posing for photos, the couple ascended the grand staircase to the Sala del Brustolon, where they were greeted by President Mattarella and his daughter, Laura Mattarella.
The President introduced various dignitaries before the royal couple made their way into the Salone delle Feste, where a grand State Banquet awaited them.
An Evening of Fine Dining and Toasts
As the State Banquet commenced, President Mattarella raised his glass to honor the royal couple, followed by King Charles delivering a toast of his own.
Guests were treated to a delightful array of dishes, including bottoni pasta with aubergine caponata, salt-crusted sea bass, roast potatoes, and a sweet raspberry dessert, all made from fresh vegetables sourced from the presidential gardens.
The royal couple also presented gifts, including a set of volumes by Thomas Nugent, a signed photograph, and a brooch bearing their royal cypher.
King Charles’ Memorable Speech in Parliament
Earlier in the day, King Charles made a powerful address to the Italian Parliament, where he spoke about the importance of unity and peace.
The King’s speech, delivered with warmth and humility, was met with heartfelt applause, and a humorous moment occurred when the President of the Chamber of Deputies mistakenly thought the speech had ended early, causing the monarch to quip, “I’m nearly finished.”
His message about the importance of peace, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, resonated deeply with the audience.
A Heartfelt Message of Friendship Between Italy and the UK
The King’s speech was not just a diplomatic gesture but a personal reflection on the deep ties between Italy and the UK.
He described Italy as a country dear to his heart, sharing anecdotes from his numerous visits over the years, from Venice to Amatrice.
King Charles emphasized the importance of the shared history and future between the two nations, pledging to further strengthen the friendship between their peoples.
Queen Camilla’s Visit to an Italian School
On the morning of their anniversary, Queen Camilla visited Istituto Comprensivo Alessandro Manzoni in Rome, where she was met with enthusiastic cheers from students.
The Queen, demonstrating her rudimentary Italian, engaged with the children, who were taking part in a competition celebrating the British Council’s 80th anniversary.
Her visit was filled with warmth and laughter as she interacted with the students, even receiving a surprise gift of a pizza, which she promised to enjoy later.
The Royal Couple’s Time with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
The King’s morning also included a visit to Villa Doria Pamphili, where he met with Italy’s first female Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.
The two leaders engaged in a private tour of the gardens, enjoying a lively conversation about art and architecture.
The King’s rapport with Prime Minister Meloni was evident as they shared light-hearted moments, reflecting the cordial relationship between the UK and Italy.
Celebrating Literary Heritage and Italian Culture
Queen Camilla’s visit to the school was part of a broader effort to celebrate literacy and cultural exchange.
During her tour, she met students involved in the literary competition and presented certificates to the winners.
Her speech highlighted the importance of literature in education, and the Queen also shared a moment of joy as she joined the children in singing “Happy Birthday” to the British Council.
The King’s Engagement with Italian Culture and Theatre
Later in the day, King Charles met with Italian actor Luca Zingaretti, best known for his portrayal of Inspector Montalbano.
The monarch, who enjoyed discussing Italian acting traditions, was shown a powerful performance of Shakespeare’s Othello, delivered by students from the National Academy of Dramatic Art.
The King, with his characteristic humor, joked about his Italian skills and praised the actors’ talent, underscoring the cultural exchange between the two nations.