A Royal Visit: King Charles III Arrives in Italy
Rome, April 7, 2025 – King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom arrive in Rome today ahead of an official state visit to Italy, which will formally begin on April 8. The royal couple will be received by Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace as part of a packed diplomatic and cultural program.
According to a statement released by the Italian Presidency and reported by Sky TG24, the royal visit will begin with a ceremonial welcome at 10:40 AM on Tuesday. The reception will take place in the Courtyard of Honor at the Quirinal Palace, Italy’s official presidential residence.
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Ceremonial Events and State Meetings
Following the welcome, both heads of state will watch a joint aerial display by the national aerobatic teams of the UK and Italy, symbolizing the strong partnership between the two nations. Delegation presentations will occur in the Sala Bronzino, while the private discussions between King Charles III and President Mattarella will be held in the Studio alla Vetrata, a stately room within the palace.
Later that day, King Charles and Queen Camilla will pay tribute at the Altar of the Fatherland, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—an act of remembrance and respect. The royal couple will then tour the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, which includes historic sites like the Imperial Forums and Palatine Hill, showcasing Rome’s ancient legacy.
Clean Energy and Parliamentary Address
On the morning of April 9, King Charles and President Mattarella will speak at a joint seminar titled “Clean Energy for Growth”, hosted at the cultural venue La Pelanda, located in the former slaughterhouse district of Testaccio. This event highlights the shared commitment of both countries to sustainable development and environmental leadership.
Later in the day, King Charles is expected to deliver a speech before a joint session of the Italian Parliament in the Senate chamber—an address anticipated to touch on UK-Italy relations, climate change, and European cooperation.
Following this, the King will meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss bilateral relations and broader regional and international issues, further strengthening diplomatic ties.
That evening, President Mattarella will host a state dinner at the Quirinal Palace in honor of the British monarchs. High-ranking Italian officials and prominent figures from various sectors will attend.
Commemorating History in Ravenna
The final day of the royal visit, April 10, will take place in the city of Ravenna, located in Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna region. Here, the royal couple will join President Mattarella for a commemorative ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Ravenna’s liberation by Commonwealth and partisan forces during World War II.
Their cultural itinerary includes a visit to the tomb of Dante Alighieri, Italy’s legendary poet, and the Lord Byron Museum in the palazzo Guiccioli, where the British poet lived in 1819. These stops pay tribute to the rich literary and historical ties between the two nations.
The royal visit will conclude with a departure ceremony at Forlì Airport, from where King Charles and Queen Camilla will return to London.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Cultural Bonds
This visit not only reaffirms the deep historical and political bonds between the UK and Italy but also serves as a platform for discussing mutual concerns—from clean energy to regional stability. King Charles III’s presence, alongside Queen Camilla, highlights the continued importance of soft diplomacy in an era of global uncertainty.
This article is originally published on prensa-latina
