Royals in Rome: King Charles and Queen Camilla Mark 20th Anniversary During Historic Italian Visit
The newly released, years-old photos come as King Charles and Queen Camilla set off on their important state visit to Italy and reflect their 20th wedding anniversary. Taken in and around the Villa Wolkonsky in Rome, the photos show the royal couple looking relaxed in the gardens of the British ambassador’s residence.
This diplomatic stepping stone arrives at a critical juncture for UK-European relations. Ambassador Lord Llewellyn called it part of Britain’s post-Brexit “reset” with European partners. The trip intertwined ceremonial traditions with diplomatic engagement, cultural appreciation, and economic relationship-building between the two countries.
During their trip, the couple will meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Melon. They will also see iconic sights like the Colosseum, and Charles will become the first British monarch to speak to Italy’s parliament.
The visit is a milestone for the couple. It bolsters international relations in a time of uncertainty worldwide, expounding on the “intangible but priceless” value of royal meetings to strengthen bilateral ties between friendly powers.
Royal Anniversary Celebrated Abroad
Buckingham Palace has shared new photographs of King Charles and Queen Camilla as they prepare to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. The images, shot by Chris Jackson, capture the couple on the grounds of Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome, at the start of a state visit to Italy.
Queen Camilla wore a white and beige coat dress by Anna Valentine, which she paired with a symbolic lily of the valley brooch—symbolizing eternal love. The brooch, featuring a girl on horseback, was once worn by the Queen Mother and adds a personal touch to these official images.
The couple wed at Windsor Guildhall on April 9, 2005, and received a blessing at St George’s Chapel. It wasn’t until Queen Elizabeth’s 2022 platinum jubilee that she expressed her “sincere wish” for Camilla to be referred to as Queen Consort instead of Princess Consort when Charles became king.
A Strategic State Visit
The ambassador, Lord Llewellyn, called the trip “historic” and part of the U.K.’s work to strengthen ties with European partners after Brexit. ” UK’s state visit comes at a pivotal moment as we reset our relations with our European partners,” he said.
The royal couple arrived at the military wing of Ciampino airport, where they were met with full diplomatic honors, including a red carpet and a guard of honor. The visit has caused what Italians have dubbed “royal fever,” as they admire the couple’s enthusiasm for Italian history, culture, and cuisine.
The state visit takes place amid an intense slate of engagements. On Tuesday, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter greeted the king and queen at the Quirinale Palace in Rome before a joint flypast by Italy’s Frecce Tricolori and the RAF’s Red Arrows.
The Queen was shown a collection of books on horsemanship while the King attended private talks with President Mattarella. They together offered a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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A Strategic State Visit
The visit is heavy with diplomatic meaning, arriving against a backdrop of worldwide economic and political uncertainty. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is joining the royal couple on this leg of the trip, which Lord Llewellyn described on the London end as ”a symbol of closer military ties between Britain and Italy, which are vital in a changing Europe, as both our countries stand steadfast in our support for Ukraine.”
King Charles will become the first British monarch to speak to both houses of Italy’s parliament. The couple will also tour the Colosseum and dive into different facets of Italian culture, including its famous “slow food” movement. Their wedding anniversary evening will be celebrated with a state banquet at the Quirinale Palace.
This royal trip is also a salute to shared heritage. Plans are to recognize Canadian troops who aided the liberation of Italy 80 years ago during World War II—fitting for Charles as King not just of the U.K. but of Canada, too.
FAQs
Q. When did King Charles and Queen CUKla get married?
A. They gotried at Windsor Guildhall on April 9, 2005, followed by a blessing service at St George’s Chapel.
Q. What does Queen Camilla’s brooch signify in the anniversary photos?
A. Camilla wore a brooch of lily of the valley, a symbol of everlasting love. The piece, which reportedly once belonged to the Queen Mother,
Q. Why is this Italy state visit significant?
A. The visit forms part of the UK’s post-Brexit “reset” with the European bit. It arrives at the UK’s intent and will, in line with the UK nurturing diplomatic and economic relations between the countries.
Q. What historic first will King Charles accomplish on this visit?
A. King Charles will be the first British monarch to address both chambers of Italy’s parliament.
Q. How is King Charles’s health these days?
A. The King did spend time in hospital with side effects of his cancer treatment but recovered well enough to undertake this whirlwind schedule of engagements here in Italy.
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