The King and Queen have arrived in Rome for an “historic visit” to Italy.
The four-day state visit is at the request of the British government and is hoped to “deliver a meaningful and broad legacy” as they use the soft power of the monarchy to strengthen the “thriving” relationship.
Edward Llewelyn, British ambassador to Italy, said on Monday: “Their Majesties will do something intangible but priceless.
“Their visit will strengthen the closeness between our nations in a way that only they can, creating memories that will last a generation.”
The visit to Rome and Ravenna is the King’s 18th official trip to Italy and his first state visit as monarch.
He will become the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian parliament and will also hold audiences with President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni.
The King and Queen will attend a black tie state banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale on the evening of their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday April 9.
The UK and Italy’s defence ties are said to be “closer than ever” and will be celebrated with a joint flypast over Rome by the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, and the RAF’s Red Arrows.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arriving at Giovan Battista Pastine international airport
In Ravenna, near Bologna, the couple will mark the 80th anniversary of the province’s liberation from Nazi occupation by allied forces.
Lord Llewelyn said: “This state visit comes at a key moment. The UK’s relationship with Italy continues to strengthen as we reset our relationships with our European partners.
“Italy’s G7 presidency last year saw especially intense co-operation between us and we work closely together, not just in the G7, but in NATO, at the United Nations, and across the world.
“This visit will inject further momentum to drive that co-operation across the board, but especially on defence, on sustainability and clean energy, and our cultural ties.”
The ambassador said economic ties between the two countries are “flourishing” with Italy currently the UK’s ninth-largest trading partner.
The King and Queen had originally been scheduled to carry out a state visit to The Holy See but that was postponed “as medical advice has now suggested that Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation”.
The Pope made a surprise appearance at the Vatican yesterday but it’s understood there are currently no plans for the King to meet the Pontiff during his state visit.
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