King Charles made a candid health admission about wanting to live "long enough" to see a tree he planted grow during the final day of his Italian state visit.
The 76-year-old monarch, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer, made the comment whilst meeting representatives of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance in Rome.
The admission came as he participated in a tree planting ceremony at Villa Wolkonsky.
The tree was donated by President Mattarella from the Castelporziano Estate and planted in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky.
Charles performed his personal ritual of waving the spade in the air after shovelling soil around the roots.
King Charles made a candid health admission about wanting to live "long enough" to see a tree he planted grow during the final day of his Italian state visit.
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He then turned to address the British embassy staff who had gathered on the lawns to witness the ceremonial planting.
"Well I do hope that I shall live long enough to see a little bit of growth in the tree," the King quipped to applause and cheers from the assembled crowd.
Charles then added "one more," in reference to the sapling. After unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion, the practical monarch pointed at the newly planted tree and remarked: "Needs a bit of water."
King Charles and Queen Camilla have departed Italy following a successful four-day state visit that concluded with a celebration of Italian cuisine.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have departed Italy following a successful four-day state visit that concluded with a celebration of Italian cuisine.
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The royal couple tried their hand at pasta-making during a festival in the historic city of Ravenna on their final day.
Their visit to the food festival, showcasing local produce, marked the end of an intensive schedule of public engagements across Italy.
During their visit, the royal couple had a brief private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
The pontiff, who has been seriously ill, offered his best wishes for their 20th wedding anniversary, which they celebrated on Wednesday.
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The King received a standing ovation following his speech in Italy's Parliament on Wednesday.
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Crowds in Ravenna waited for hours in the Italian sunshine on Thursday to catch a glimpse of the royal visitors.
The enthusiastic reception demonstrated the strong public interest in the state visit.
The King also took the opportunity to visit the tomb of Italian writer Dante Alighieri in Ravenna.
The King received a standing ovation following his speech in Italy's Parliament on Wednesday.
