King and Queen arrive in Rome for visit celebrating UKs close ties to Italy

The King and Queen’s visit to Italy will leave a “priceless” legacy strengthening the “closeness” between the UK and the EU nation, Britain’s ambassador to Italy has said.

Charles and Camilla arrived on the outskirts of Rome in a plane escorted over the Italian capital by F-35 Italian air force jets that left a deafening sound in their wake and heralded the start of the couple’s four-day trip celebrating Britain’s ties with Italy.

Edward Llewellyn, the UK’s ambassador to Italy and San Marino, said before the couple touched down at the Italian air force section of Ciampino International airport: “This visit will deliver a meaningful and broad legacy, above all 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.

“Their love for Italy and all things Italian, the things Italians cherish – culture, food, heritage – resonate very, very deeply.

“So a lot to look forward to in the next few days. The state visit that brings together, quite simply, the best of Italy and the best of Britain, the closest of friends, allies and partners.”

The King and Queen received a red carpet welcome and were greeted by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who will accompany the couple throughout their tour, Mr Llewellyn and his counterpart Inigo Lambertini, Italy’s ambassador to the UK, while a guard of honour stood nearby.

During the visit Charles will become the first British monarch to address both houses of Italy’s parliament – the chamber of deputies and the senate of the republic.

The King will also hold audiences with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and he and Camilla will attend a black-tie state banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale, hosted by the president on the evening of their 20th wedding anniversary.

The UK and Italy’s defence co-operation will be marked by a joint flypast over Rome by the Italian air force’s aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, and the RAF’s Red Arrows.

The couple will visit Ravenna, near Bologna, where Charles and Camilla will mark the 80th anniversary of the province’s liberation from Nazi occupation by allied forces on April 10 1945, during a town hall reception.

They will also celebrate literary culture by visiting Dante’s tomb and the Queen will make a solo trip to the Byron museum.

Published: 07/04/2025 by Radio NewsHub