From the Colosseum to the Vatican: A Royal Journey of Love and Legacy
As the spring sun bathes the Eternal City in golden light, King Charles III and Queen Camilla are making headlines with their four-day state visit to Italy, which began on April 7, 2025. This historic trip, marking their first official overseas tour of the year, has brought the royal couple to Rome, Ravenna, and—most notably—the Vatican, where they paid a surprise visit to Pope Francis. Here at BuckinghamPalace.co.uk - The Best Unofficial Guide, we’re thrilled to bring you the latest on this regal journey, blending diplomacy, faith, and a touch of anniversary magic.
The royal couple touched down in Rome on Monday, April 7, greeted by a red carpet at Ciampino International Airport and a military escort of Italian fighter jets—a fittingly grand entrance for the King and Queen. Their visit, carried out on behalf of the UK government, aims to strengthen ties with Italy and Europe in a post-Brexit era. Accompanied by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Charles and Camilla were welcomed by dignitaries, including the UK’s ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewellyn, setting the stage for a busy itinerary.
The timing couldn’t be more special: April 9 marked their 20th wedding anniversary, and the couple chose to celebrate this milestone amidst Italy’s rich history and culture. New photographs released by Buckingham Palace, taken in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky (the British ambassador’s residence), show Charles and Camilla beaming with joy. The Queen even wore a lily of the valley brooch—a symbol of enduring love - adding a sentimental touch to the occasion.
Courtesy of the the Royal Family Channel on You Tube
The highlight of the trip so far came on Wednesday, April 9, when Charles and Camilla made an unexpected private visit to Pope Francis at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta. The 88-year-old pontiff, recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, had initially been ruled out of the royal itinerary due to his health. However, his improving condition allowed for this heartfelt meeting, which Buckingham Palace described as a “special moment” for Their Majesties.
During the 20-minute encounter, Pope Francis offered his best wishes for the couple’s anniversary, while Charles and Camilla reciprocated with hopes for his speedy recovery. The King, as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and the Pope, leader of the Catholic Church, share a long-standing mutual respect, having met twice before Charles ascended the throne (in 2017 and 2019). This visit—the first since Charles became monarch—underscored their shared passions for environmental stewardship and interfaith dialogue, themes central to the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.”
The Royal Family’s official statement noted, “The King and Queen were deeply touched by The Pope’s kind remarks about their 20th wedding anniversary and honoured to be able to share their best wishes to him in person.” While an official Vatican visit, including a service at the Sistine Chapel, was postponed due to the Pope’s earlier illness, this impromptu meeting has been hailed as a symbol of unity and goodwill.
Beyond the Vatican, Charles and Camilla’s Italian sojourn has been packed with memorable moments. On Wednesday evening, they attended a glittering state banquet at the Quirinale Palace, hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The King, ever the jovial speaker, quipped, “I must say it really is very good of you, Mr President, to lay on this small romantic, candle-lit dinner for two…” — a playful nod to their anniversary amid the diplomatic splendour.
Earlier that day, Charles made history as the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament. His speech blended humor—referencing Monty Python’s “What have the Romans ever done for us?”—with a sobering call for unity in a “precarious and fragile world.” He highlighted the UK and Italy’s shared NATO commitments, including support for Ukraine, and celebrated their joint efforts on a new fighter jet project with Japan.
The couple also visited iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where they laid a wreath. In the coming days, they’ll travel to Ravenna, known for its stunning mosaics, to mark the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation in World War II—a poignant nod to the enduring UK-Italy alliance.
For royal watchers, this trip is more than just diplomacy—it’s a celebration of Charles and Camilla’s enduring partnership. Married on April 9, 2005, at Windsor Guildhall, the couple has weathered decades in the public eye to emerge as a united front. Camilla’s choice to rewear her ivory silk wedding dress (designed by Anna Valentine) during the parliamentary visit was a subtle tribute to their journey together.
As they wrap up their Italian adventure today, April 10, the King and Queen leave behind a legacy of strengthened ties and personal triumphs. From pizza and pasta to policy and prayer, this state visit has showcased the monarchy’s soft power at its finest. Stay tuned to BuckinghamPalace.co.uk - The Best Unofficial Guide for more updates on the royals’ next moves—because with Charles and Camilla, every chapter is a story worth telling!
