King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Rome today marking the commencement of their four-day state visit to Italy.This trip is particularly significant as it coincides with their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9.The royal couple was warmly received upon their arrival with the State Visit reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the United Kingdom and Italy.
Upon their arrival at Rome’s Ciampino Airport, The King and Queen were greeted by Italian dignitaries and a ceremonial guard of honour, underscoring the significance of their visit.
The State Visit comes only a couple of weeks after Charles was admitted for a hospital stay having experienced side effects from his cancer treatment. A number of engagements were also cancelled as His Majesty continued to rest ahead of the State Visit.
A new photo of The King and Queen was taken to mark their 20th wedding anniversary after they arrived in Rome for the Italy State Visit. (Royal Family)
After arriving at Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome, Their Majesties posed for a couple of photographs to mark their 20th anniversary later this week.
Issuing a message on social media channels, Charles and Camilla wrote: “As we begin our first visit to Italy as King and Queen, we are so looking forward to celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary in such a special place – and with such wonderful people! A presto, Roma e Ravenna!”
Charles and Camilla pose in an official photograph ahead of their wedding anniversary. (Royal Family)
This State Visit will be a special moment in the relationship between the two countries when The King will be the first British Monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament. Their Majesties will also attend a State Banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale, hosted by The President of Italy.
In Ravenna, The King and Queen will view Dante’s tomb and Her Majesty will tour the Byron museum, uncovering the secrets of the great Romantic poet’s life in Italy, and attending a reception for local book clubs, libraries, book shops and representatives from Her Majesty’s charity “The Queen’s Reading Room”. His Majesty will visit the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, viewing their impressive mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries and meeting artisans who are keeping this ancient art form alive.
