On Tuesday, King Charles III and Queen Camilla had an audience with Italian President Sergio Mattarella during the second day of their official state visit to Italy.
The royal pair was accompanied to the palace by over 30 mounted presidential guards, and during their visit, they witnessed a combined flypast featuring Italy’s Frecce Tricolori and the UK’s Royal Air Force Red Arrows.
After the meeting, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited several of Rome’s famous sites, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located in Piazza Venezia, where they placed a floral tribute.
They likewise savored a exclusive walkthrough of the Colosseum, strolling near the Temple of Venus and observing the ruins of the Roman Forum. It was here that they encountered a cluster of students and received warm greetings from both eager local residents and visitors alike.
It’s incredibly moving because this is the first time I’ve laid eyes on them,” shared 18-year-old Samuele Tassinari, a student hailing from Bologna. “Earlier, we spotted them as they were heading towards the Quirinale, and later we caught sight of them driving past us in their Bentley—the exact car they also use in London. That moment was absolutely exhilarating.
In the afternoon, the royal pair encountered delegates from the British expatriate community in Rome, where they welcomed visitors within the lush grounds of the British ambassador’s home, Villa Wolkonsky.
At the event, a military ensemble performed the United Kingdom’s national anthem along with a selection of iconic tracks by The Beatles.
On Wednesday night, President Mattarella will hold a state dinner at the Quirinale Palace to honor the British monarchs, coinciding with the couple’s 20th wedding anniversary celebration.
King Charles will similarly have meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and deliver an address to a joint session of the Italian Parliament—a first-time occurrence for a British monarch.
In Rome, Charles will highlight the robust relationship between Britain and Italy — as fellow NATO allies — during a period when EU countries are increasing their backing of Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression.
The royal tour will likewise encompass a journey to Ravenna on Thursday, marking the 80th anniversary of the city’s emancipation by Allied troops. While there, they will honor the area’s gastronomic legacy and engage with regional farmers who have been impacted by recent flooding incidents.
