King Charles III and Queen Camilla met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday, marking the second day of their state visit to Italy.
The royal couple were escorted to the palace by a group of more than 30 mounted presidential guards where they enjoyed a joint flyover by Italy’s Frecce Tricolori and the RAF’s Red Arrows.
Following the meeting, King Charles and Queen Camilla toured some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Piazza Venezia, where they laid a wreath.
They also enjoyed a special tour of the Colosseum, walking past the Temple of Venus and viewing the Roman Forum. There they met a group of schoolchildren and were greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic locals and tourists.
“It’s very emotional because it’s the first time I’ve seen them,” said 18-year-old Samuele Tassinari, a student from Bologna. “We saw them earlier as they made their way to the Quirinale, and then we saw them pass by in their Bentley, the same one they use in London. It was thrilling.”
Later in the day the royal couple met with representatives of the British community in Rome, greeting guests in the gardens of the British ambassador’s residence, Villa Wolkonsky.
During the event, a military band played the British national anthem as well as several classic hits by The Beatles.
On Wednesday evening, President Mattarella will host a state banquet at the Quirinale Palace in honour of the British monarchs, which will coincide with the couple’s 20th wedding anniversary.
King Charles will also meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and address a joint session of the Italian Parliament— a historic first for a British monarch.
While in Rome, Charles will emphasise the strong ties between Britain and Italy, both NATO allies, at a time when European nations are strengthening support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
The royal visit will also include a trip to Ravenna on Thursday, where they will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation by Allied forces. During this visit, they will celebrate the region’s culinary heritage and meet local farmers affected by recent floods.
