Welcome to the Royal Visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Italy!
Excitement fills the air as King Charles III and Queen Camilla embark on their state visit to Italy, marking their first overseas trip of the year. This visit holds special significance as it is the first since the King’s recent hospitalization due to side effects from cancer treatment.
By Christopher Wells
During this historic visit, King Charles is poised to make history as the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament. The royal couple arrived in Rome on Monday evening to kick off a four-day state visit coinciding with their twentieth wedding anniversary. This marks the 17th official visit of King Charles to Italy and his first major journey post-hospitalization.
Exploring Rome
The first day of their visit saw the King meeting with Italian President Sergio Matarella at the presidential palace, followed by a visit to the iconic Victor Emmanuel II Monument. There, King Charles paid his respects at Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witnessed a joint flypast by the Italian Air Force’s “Frecce Tricolori” and their Royal Air Force counterparts, the “Red Arrows.”
Later in the day, the royal couple immersed themselves in history at the Archaeological Park by the Colosseum.
On Wednesday, King Charles is scheduled to meet with the Italian Prime Minister and participate in a round table discussion on “Clean Energy Supply Chains” chaired by the UK’s foreign secretary. The highlight of the day will be his address at the Palazzo Madama, the seat of the Italian Senate, in front of a joint session of Parliament. The evening will be capped off with private meetings and a state banquet hosted by President Matarella.
Exploring Ravenna
Thursday and Friday will see the King and Queen venturing to the enchanting city of Ravenna in northern Italy. Their itinerary includes a visit to the tomb of Dante and exploration of the stunning 5th and 6th-century mosaics at the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. A meeting with the Academy of Fine Arts of Ravenna is also on the agenda.
Additionally, the royal couple will participate in a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the province of Ravenna’s liberation during World War II. They will also partake in a regional festival celebrating traditional cuisine, with King Charles engaging with local farmers, including those affected by recent floods in Ravenna.
This royal visit promises to be a blend of history, culture, and diplomacy, highlighting the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and Italy. Stay tuned for more updates from this momentous trip!
