Shawn Cofran
Royal correspondent
Chris Jackson/Getty Images of Buckingham Palace
The King and Queen celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday
King Charles and Queen Camilla released new photos later this week to mark their 20th wedding anniversary. The couple is smiling and relaxed with images taken shortly after their arrival in Italy for a state visit.
They took photos in the gardens of Villa Walconsky, the residence of the British Ambassador in Rome.
Ambassador Llewellyn said the trip was coming at a “historic” moment and such a soft power royal visit could have “intangible but valuable” impact.
In an age of international uncertainty, the visit is part of the UK’s post-Brexit “reset” in strengthening links with European allies.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images of Buckingham Palace
The photos were taken on the first day of a four-day state visit.
“A visit to this state comes at a significant moment,” said Llewellyn Lord.
There have already been reports of “the royal fever,” and the Italian public values the king and queen’s enthusiasm for the king’s history, culture and cuisine, said Lord Llewellyn, who spoke to reporters before his visit.
“Their love for Italy…and everything about Italy resonates deeply here,” the ambassador said.
The national visit was originally intended to include the Vatican, where the King was to serve in the Sistine Chapel, but it was postponed due to Pope Francis’ unhealth.
The Pope appears to be recovering by appearing at St. Peter’s Square over the weekend, but so far there have been no plans for a private meeting, but there have been speculations that the meeting will appeal to both sides if possible.
PA Media
At the beginning of the trip, they met with high officials for the last four days
The state visits on behalf of the British government are elaborate ceremonies, eclectic combinations that attract crowds, raise flags for business, try local food and deal with serious international diplomacy.
Pizza, pasta and policy.
The visit took place at a time of economic and diplomatic upheaval from US President Donald Trump, accompanied by the king by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
The emphasis will be on close military relations with Britain with Italy. This was stated by Lord Llewellyn, “Our countries are essential in Europe, which is steady in their support for Ukraine.”
Italy is also the UK’s ninth and largest trading partner and a popular tourist destination, and Rome’s historic tourist attractions are now flooded with holiday makers.
The ambassador’s comment also nodded to Canada, saying that the trip to Ravenna reflected that King Charles was the king of Canada and would be paid to the Canadian army that helped release Italy during World War II 80 years ago.
The King has performed complicated diplomatic balance-like acts as head of state for both the UK and Canada when Canada was under heavy pressure by the Trump administration.
Scottish whiskey producers worried about US tariffs welcomed a plug of produce at the Ravenna food festival and paired with Parmesan cheese.
on tuesday:
The King and Queen are welcomed at Italian President Sergio Matarera and his daughter, his official residence. Killinard holds the Italian Air Force aerobatic team Frets Tricololi, and the RAF’s red arrows hold the joint flypust of Rome Matarera and King Charles. Soldiers of Altare Della Patria.
Later this week, the royal couple will visit the Colosseum and learn about Italian slow food.
The king met Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, and became the first British monarch to give a speech to both houses of Italy.
The culture-loving royal family has also visited related to writers Dante and Lord Byron.
Wednesday’s king and queen wedding anniversary evening will be spent at Killinar Palace for a state banquet. It’s a big personal moment for the couple, but these are flashy public events, with celebrities and politicians on their guest lists, and menus featuring the country’s cuisine.
Before the trip there was an Italian dinner at the King of Gloucestershire High Grove Estate, with guests attending film stars Stanley Tucci and Helen Mirren and former footballer David Beckham.
The national visit will be a set of intensive involvement, and follows the recent “road clash” for the king’s health.
He spent a brief stay in the hospital after suffering from side effects from cancer treatment, but was enough to return to a string of engagements last week.
Ambassador Llewellyn said he is confident that the royal trip, known in the Italian press as “Carlo and Camila,” will leave behind a “wide, meaningful heritage.”
The royal couple’s wedding on April 9, 2005 was held at Windsor Guild Hall.
