King Charles and Queen Camilla obtain a heat welcome in Rome full with a shocking flypast as they start four-day state go to
The King and Queen were formally welcomed to Italy this morning with full pomp and ceremony – and a stunning city-wide flypast in Rome.
Their Majesties’ received a ceremonial welcome at the Quirinale Palace from the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Signor Sergio Mattarella.
He was accompanied by his daughter, Signora Laura Mattarella, who acts as the windowed president’s First Lady.
Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, were escorted by mounted Quirinale (Corazzieri) Guards as they arrived for the first major event of their historic four-day state visit, their first as King and Queen.
The British and Italian National Anthems were played as the Union Jack flag was raised on the turret of the iconic palazzo.
President Mattarella, 83, then invited His Majesty to inspect the Guard of Honour in the courtyard, consisting of the Quirinale Band, Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri and mounted Corazzieri Guards. Her Majesty remained chatting with Signora Mattarella, 58.
At the end of the courtyard, The King and President Mattarella, rejoined by Her Majesty and Signora Laura, proceeded into the Palace and onto the terrace to view a stunning flypast of the Frecce Tricolori and Red Arrows in a show of bilateral defence unity, a key theme of the visit.
The Frecce Tricolori issued red, white and green smoke, while the Red Arrows emitted red, white and blue smoke.
The King and Queen (pictured) were formally welcomed to Italy this morning with full pomp and ceremony – and a stunning city-wide flypast in Rome
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Signor Sergio Mattarella and the President’s daughter, Signora Laura Mattarella view a flypast
Their Majesties’ received a ceremonial welcome at the Quirinale Palace from the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Signor Sergio Mattarella
Following the flypast, Their Majesties returned inside the palace, escorted by President Mattarella and Signora Laura, where Their Majesties and the President presented their official delegations.
This included Foreign Secretary David Lammy and His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Italy and San Marino, The Baron Llewellyn of Steep.
The President then presented the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Italian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Inigo Lamberini, Secretary General of the Quirinale, Ugo Zampetti and Diplomatic Counsellor to the President, Ambassador Fabio Cassese.
‘We are very lucky to have him,’ the King said of Mr Lambertini, the Italian ambassador to the UK whom he has met previously.
The King and the President then posed for a photograph in front of the flags of both countries before a private meeting with the Queen and Laura in the President’s study, known as the Sala dei Colloqui.
Speaking through an interpreter, Charles told his host: ‘This is my 18th visit here.’ ‘And I remember having you here at the Quirinale before on your visits to Rome,’ replied the President.
After around 20 minutes of private conversation, the President presented honours to the royal couple.
The King received the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit and presented the President with the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.
The British and Italian National Anthems were played as the Union Jack flag was raised on the turret of the iconic palazzo. Pictured, the flypast
President Mattarella (pictured right), 83, then invited His Majesty to inspect the Guard of Honour in the courtyard, consisting of the Quirinale Band, Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri and mounted Corazzieri Guards
Queen Camilla smiles as she attends the ceremonial welcome ceremony at the Quirinale Palace
President Mattarella (pictured right with King Charles) is the twelfth President of the Italian Republic. He was first elected in January 2015 and again, unusually, in January 2022
At the end of the courtyard, The King and President Mattarella, rejoined by Her Majesty and Signora Laura, proceeded into the Palace and onto the terrace to view a stunning flypast (pictured) of the Frecce Tricolori and Red Arrows in a show of bilateral defence unity, a key theme of the visit
The Frecce Tricolori issued red, white and green smoke, while the Red Arrows emitted red, white and blue smoke
King Charles and Queen Camilla stand with Italian President Sergio Mattarella during the state visit to Italy at the Quirinale Palace
In October 2024, President Mattarella became Italy’s longest serving President. A widower since 2012, he attends official engagements with his daughter Laura (pictured with the King and Queen)
Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, were escorted by mounted Quirinale (Corazzieri) Guards (pictured behind the King and Italian President) as they arrived for the first major event of their historic four-day state visit, their first as King and Queen
Italian President Sergio Mattarella (C-R) welcomes King Charles (C) and Queen Camilla (C-L) as they arrive at Quirinale Palace, Rome, Italy
Charles and Camilla (pictured left, today) are due to undertake a busy programme of 19 engagements over four days, flying the flag for Britain abroad and highlighting key issues including defence cooperation, trade and culture
‘It goes back quite a long way,’ said the monarch. ‘It’s just a token really of our appreciation, you’ve served for so long.’ ‘I’m humbled, your Majesty,’ he replied.
Signora Laura and Camilla then departed to view a selection of antique books on horsemanship in the Biblioteca del Piffetti and tour the State Rooms of the 16th Century palace, where they chatted to staff preparing for tomorrow’s State Banquet and carrying out repairs on tapestries and furniture.
The President and his daughter and the King and Queen were reunited to say their farewells in the Palace’s Sala del Bronzino, which is hung with magnificent tapestries designed by the Florentine artist Bronzino.
Queen Camilla was wearing a blue silk crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare as well as a diamond and sapphire brooch that originally belonged to Queen Victoria for the outing.
Palermo-born Sergio Mattarella is Italy’s longest-serving President. He was first elected in January 2015 and again in January 2022.
He lost his wife Marisa to cancer in 2012 and since becoming President, has been accompanied by his daughter, known as Signora Laura, at official events.
Charles and Camilla are due to undertake a busy programme of 19 engagements over four days, flying the flag for Britain abroad and highlighting key issues including defence cooperation, trade and culture.
