Rome played host to British royalty this week as King Charles III and Queen Camilla embarked on their first international trip of 2024, blending diplomatic duties with sightseeing at Italy’s most famous ancient monument.
The royal couple, currently celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, toured the Colosseum on Tuesday (April 8) during their four-day state visit to Italy.
Dressed in elegant coordinating navy outfits, the 76-year-old monarch and 77-year-old queen consort ascended the amphitheater’s stairs to a viewing platform, waving to crowds below as military bands from both nations performed.
Their cultural stop followed morning meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at Quirinale Palace, where they witnessed a spectacular joint flypast by the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori and Britain’s Red Arrows.
The day’s solemn moments included laying a wreath at Rome’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The visit nearly included a historic meeting with Pope Francis, but plans were postponed as the 88-year-old pontiff continues recovering from a recent hospitalization. “Their Majesties send The Pope their best wishes for his convalescence,” Buckingham Palace stated, confirming the Vatican segment will be rescheduled.
Amid his ongoing cancer treatment, Charles made history by becoming the first British sovereign to address Italy’s Parliament during the trip. The carefully paced itinerary – running through April 10 – also allows the couple to mark their 2005 civil wedding anniversary on Tuesday.
Their low-key Windsor Guildhall ceremony, occurring 35 years after they first met, revolutionized royal marriage traditions as both were divorcees.
From ancient ruins to modern diplomacy, the visit showcases Charles’ determination to maintain royal duties while managing health challenges – with Camilla steadfastly by his side two decades into their unconventional love story.
