A Royal Adventure in Italy: King Charles and Queen Camilla's Epic State Visit
Monarchs Charles and Camilla tour the legendary Colosseum - Royal Pair Charles and Camilla Explore Historic Colosseum
Get ready to dive into the whirlwind four-day escapade of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as they embarked on an unforgettable state visit to the enchanting land of Italy from April 7 to 10, 2025. This epic journey marked a special milestone - their 20th wedding anniversary! So buckle up, my friends, because we're about to witness the magic unfold!
The Grand Arrival
Kicking off the adventure, the royal duo touched down at Giovan Battista Pastine-Rome Ciampino Airport, ready to soak up the Italian atmosphere. With a jam-packed itinerary lined up, the stage was set for an unforgettable diplomatic event [1][2].
Meeting the movers and shakers
The crown jewels didn't just meet the people, they got to rub shoulders with the bigwigs! King Charles and Queen Camilla chatted with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The king even took center stage, channeling his inner orator by addressing a joint session of the Italian Parliament, becoming the first British monarch to do so, paying tribute to the deep-rooted cultural ties linking the UK and Italy [1][2][3].
Let the Celebrations Begin!
The royal couple didn't disappoint us commonfolk. They graced us with their presence at a state banquet on their 20th anniversary, the party was hosted by none other than Italy's prestigious President Mattarella at Palazzo Quirinale. The evening featured none other than opera sensation Andrea Bocelli belting out tunes to our adoring hearts [3].
And here's the icing on the cake - those rowdy cheers you heard? That was the public's heartwarming welcome in both Rome and Ravenna! Thousands of people flocked to catch a glimpse of the royals [5].
Sightseeing in Italy
But King Charles and Queen Camilla aren't exactly slackers - they managed to squeeze in a bit of sightseeing while they were at it! They marveled at iconic landmarks, from the colossal Colosseum in Rome to the breathtaking Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna. They even took a tour of the tomb of Dante Alighieri and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia [2][5].
And they didn't just gawk at the scenery - they got up close and personal with the locals too! Queen Camilla visited a Roman school, exchanging tidbits with students and delighting them with books [1][2]. Plus, they immersed themselves in regional festivities celebrating traditional Emilia-Romagna cuisine [1][2].
Historic Speech to Italian Parliament
King Charles made history when he delivered a speech to the Italian Parliament, acknowledging the long-standing ties between the two nations. He even had a light-hearted jab at Italy's cultural imprint on the UK, cheekily admitting that Italy had occasionally "corrupted" British cuisine [2][3].
Vatican Visit and More Engagements
Although plans for a visit to the Holy See had to be postponed due to the Pope's health issues, the couple still managed to have a private audience with Pope Francis during the visit [3][5]. And in Ravenna, they celebrated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the province, as well as meeting with local farmers affected by recent floods [2][5].
And there you have it, folks! A whirlwind adventure full of diplomatic engagements, sightseeing, celebrations, and cultural exchanges. King Charles III and Queen Camilla's state visit not only highlighted the strong bonds between the UK and Italy but also served as a testament to the enduring love story that has spanned 20 years. So get ready to raise your glasses—we're cheersing to another fabulous 20 years of their royal love!
- As part of their sightseeing exploits, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the iconic landmark of Rome, the Colosseum, immersing themselves in the rich historical significance of Italy.
- During their tour, Queen Camilla, ever a lover of education, engaged with students at a school in Rome, sharing stories and presenting them with books.
- In honor of their 20th wedding anniversary, the royal duo was treated to a private audience with Pope Francis, despite earlier scheduling conflicts, further solidifying the ties between the British monarchy and the Vatican.
