Following Their Majesties’ arrival in Rome yesterday, The King and Queen got stuck in to undertaking their first official engagements of State Visit Italy.
Buckingham Palace also released new portraits of Their Majesties ahead of their 20th wedding anniversary.
A ceremonial welcome was on the agenda for The King and Queen on the first day of State Visit Italy. (Royal Family)
The day started with King Charles and Queen Camilla arriving at Rome’s Quirinale Palace for a ceremonial welcome from Italian President Sergio Mattarella. His daughter, Laura Mattarella, who is currently acting as First Lady following the death of her mother, was also there to greet The King and Queen.
The party then watched a symbolic joint flypast by the UK’s Red Arrows and Italy’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatic teams. This was followed by a military band playing as the group entered the Palace.
The King and Queen watching a flypast. (Royal Family)
Also present was a guard of honour consisting of the Quirinale Band, troops from the Italian Army, Navy and Air Force, members of Italy’s military police the Carabinieri and mounted Corazzieri guards.
In the Palace, The President and the King held a private meeting while the President’s daughter showed the Queen a selection of antique books on horsemanship in the Biblioteca del Piffetti and toured the staterooms.
The King and Queen and The President and his daughter standing together. (Royal Family)
Honours were also exchanged by the King and the President. King Charles was made a Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, and in turn he presented Mr Mattarella with the insignia for a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. Whilst, The Queen was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy.
Their Majesties took time to reflect and pay tribute at the Altare della Patria, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Piazza Venezia. pic.twitter.com/zonn6EJ4yi
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 8, 2025
Their Majesties then visited the Altare della Patria, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Piazza Venezia to lay a wreath and whilst renditions of the British and Italian national anthems played by military bands at the monument.
Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy were also in attendance.
Charles and Camilla at the Colosseum. (Royal Family)
The King and Queen were then warmly welcomed at one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks – the Colosseum. Their arrival was marked by a ceremonial reception, where they were greeted by Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, and Alfonsina Russo, Director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum.
The atmosphere was one of celebration and unity, as the band of the Welsh Guards played in harmony with Italy’s Sassari Brigade Band, symbolising the close ties between the two nations. The royal couple took time to meet with members of the public before beginning their guided tour of the ancient amphitheatre.
Accompanied by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and a large entourage, Their Majesties ascended to the Colosseum’s panoramic viewing platform. From this vantage point, situated on the edge of the Temple of Venus and Rome – once the largest and most magnificent temple in ancient Rome, designed by Emperor Hadrian – they took in the breathtaking view of the historic site.
Dr. Barbara Nazzaro, Architect of the Archaeological Park, provided the royal visitors with insights into ongoing restoration efforts within the Colosseum. The current focus is on the underground passages beneath the arena floor, once used to transport gladiators and animals during the games.
The King and Queen also met with representatives of several community organizations based in Rome. These included MO.D.A.V.I., which combats drug addiction; Peter Pan Odv, a non-profit that supports families traveling to Rome for pediatric cancer treatment; and Differenza Donna, an NGO that works to assist women who have suffered domestic violence and human trafficking.
The visit concluded with an engaging conversation between the royal couple and popular Italian TV presenter and historian Alberto Angela. Standing above the Roman Forum, Mr. Angela offered a vivid account of ancient Rome’s storied past, describing how the city’s central hub was largely destroyed in the 9th century by a devastating earthquake.
