King Charles and Queen Camilla Mark 20th Anniversary in Italy with New Photos and Renewed Diplomacy
As they prepare to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, King Charles III and Queen Camilla have released new portraits taken during their state visit to Italy, showcasing a smiling, relaxed royal couple amidst a packed diplomatic schedule.
The images, taken at Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome, show the Queen wearing a lily of the valley brooch, symbolizing enduring love. The visit marks both a personal and diplomatic milestone for the monarchs.
A Royal Reset with Europe
This four-day tour is seen as part of the UK’s post-Brexit “reset” with its European allies. Lord Llewellyn, the British ambassador to Italy, described the visit as coming at a “key moment” to reinforce ties, especially in the face of international uncertainty driven by Trump-era tariffs and shifting global alliances.
Italy, the UK’s ninth-largest trading partner, is also a crucial military ally in ongoing support for Ukraine, a key point of focus during the trip.
Soft Power, Hard Conversations
The King, accompanied by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, is set to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and will become the first UK monarch to address both houses of Italy’s parliament.
The visit includes stops at the Colosseum, a slow food event featuring Scottish whisky paired with parmesan, and a poignant tribute to Canadian WWII soldiers in Ravenna—highlighting King Charles’s dual role as monarch of both the UK and Canada.
A scheduled meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican was postponed due to the Pope’s health, although speculation remains about a possible private audience.
Love and Legacy
Wednesday’s wedding anniversary will be commemorated at a state banquet at the Quirinale Palace, the highlight of a celebration that blends romantic milestones with global significance. The royal couple’s wedding on 9 April 2005 at Windsor Guildhall marked a turning point in royal history, and two decades later, their partnership stands as a cornerstone of modern monarchy.
Despite a recent health setback due to cancer treatment, the King has resumed public engagements, underscoring his commitment to both ceremonial and diplomatic duties.
As “Carlo and Camilla” charm Italian crowds and politicians alike, the visit is expected to leave what Lord Llewellyn called a “meaningful and broad legacy.”
