King Charles III has landed in Italy on Monday for a four-day official visit. This trip marks his first as monarch and comes just ten days after a short hospital stay due to side effects from his cancer treatment. Despite this, sources close to the royal family say the 76-year-old king is eager and full of energy.
King Charles will become the first British monarch to speak to Italy’s joint parliament. He will also meet with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella. His wife, Queen Camilla, joins him as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary during the trip.
The king had planned to meet Pope Francis on Tuesday, but the Pope, aged 88, is recovering from a serious illness and doctors have advised rest. The Royal Family sent their good wishes to the Pope and hope to meet him at a later date.
Over the next few days, Charles and Camilla will explore key parts of Rome, including the famous Colosseum and the working-class district of Testaccio. A ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will take place, followed by a joint air display by the UK’s Red Arrows and Italy’s Frecce Tricolori.
On Wednesday, their anniversary will be marked with a state banquet at the grand Palazzo Quirinale, where a vegetarian menu has reportedly been requested.
The trip also includes a visit to Ravenna, in northern Italy, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the area’s liberation from Nazi rule during World War II.
King Charles, who revealed his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, has slowly returned to work over the past months, undertaking several trips, including to Australia and Samoa. His illness briefly interrupted plans on March 27, when he was briefly admitted to hospital, but he resumed duties soon after.
This visit reflects the King’s commitment to his role, even as he manages his health challenges.
