Rome: King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Royal Couple, have released new photographs to commemorate their 20th wedding anniversary, captured during their ongoing state visit to Italy.
The images, taken in the serene gardens of Villa Wolkonsky — the British ambassador’s residence in Rome — show the couple smiling and relaxed. Queen Camilla wore a lily of the valley brooch, symbolising enduring love.
Ambassador Lord Llewellyn said the visit comes at a historic time as the UK resets its relations with European allies post-Brexit. He praised the power of royal diplomacy, calling it “intangible but priceless,” and noted the Italian public’s admiration for the couple’s genuine affection for Italian culture and cuisine.
During the four-day visit, which began with a ceremonial welcome at Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, the royals will meet Italian dignitaries, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. King Charles will also become the first UK monarch to address both houses of Italy’s parliament.
Originally, the itinerary included a visit to the Vatican and attendance at a service in the Sistine Chapel, but this was postponed due to Pope Francis’s health. While the Pope has since appeared in public, a meeting has not been confirmed.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 7, 2025
The Royal Couple’s trip highlights closer military cooperation between the UK and Italy, particularly in support of Ukraine, and showcases Italy’s role as the UK’s ninth largest trading partner.
Events include food festivals featuring Scottish whisky paired with parmesan cheese, and cultural tributes in Ravenna to Dante, Lord Byron, and Canadian forces who helped liberate Italy during WWII — a nod to King Charles’s role as monarch of Canada.
Ahead of the trip, the King hosted a dinner at Highgrove with notable guests like Stanley Tucci, Helen Mirren, and David Beckham. The visit, a mix of diplomacy and culture, reflects the royal couple’s shared passion and commitment, and comes shortly after King Charles’s return to public duties following cancer treatment.
The royal wedding took place on April 9, 2005, at Windsor Guildhall. This week’s state banquet at the Quirinale Palace will double as a celebration of the Royal Couple’s anniversary — a personal milestone within a high-profile diplomatic mission.
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