King Charles is set to become the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament during his four-day state visit, starting today in Rome. The royal couple’s twentieth wedding anniversary coincides with this trip.
The King met with Italian President Sergio Matarella on the first day, followed by a visit to the Victor Emmanuel II Monument and laying a wreath at Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A joint flypast by the Italian Air Force and the British Royal Air Force was also honoured during his visit.
Later in the afternoon, King Charles visited the Archaeological Park at the Colosseum with Queen Camilla. On Wednesday, he will meet with Italian Prime Minister and attend a round table discussion on “Clean Energy Supply Chains.” The next day, the King will address a joint session of Parliament at the Palazzo Madama.
The royal couple’s visit also includes stops in Ravenna, where they will see 5th- and 6th-century mosaics and meet with local farmers. They will participate in a reception marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Ravenna by Allied Forces during World War II.
King Charles is on his first major journey since a brief hospitalization due to cancer treatment side effects, making this visit significant for the royal family’s recovery.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-04/king-charles-makes-state-visit-to-italy.html