King Charles and Queen Camilla return to the UK

King Charles addresses Italian Parliament with historic speech in Italian.

GB News
Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 10/04/2025

- 17:26

The royal pair received warm welcomes throughout their state visit in Italy

King Charles and Queen Camilla have departed Italy following a successful four-day state visit that concluded with a celebration of Italian cuisine.

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.

The King, who has previously spoken of his love for Italian culture, appeared relaxed as he toured the festival grounds.

King Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla have departed Italy following a successful four-day state visit that concluded with a celebration of Italian cuisine.

Getty

Despite the pressures of his ongoing health issues, Charles showed no signs of strain as he engaged with the public in the summery Italian weather.

The royal pair received warm welcomes throughout their visit, with large crowds gathering to greet them in Ravenna's historic squares.

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.

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.

King Charles and Queen Camilla

The royal pair received warm welcomes throughout their visit, with large crowds gathering to greet them in Ravenna's historic squares.

Getty

The King also took the opportunity to visit the tomb of Italian writer Dante Alighieri in Ravenna.

A commemoration was held in Ravenna's town hall recognising the role of Canadian troops in liberating the region during the Second World War.

As head of state of Canada, the King has been careful to show symbolic support to the country at a time when it faces pressure from US President Trump.

Dressed in a summery suit on a hot afternoon, the King was quick to engage with people waiting at barriers.

The square was packed, though Charles appeared more at risk of being surrounded by officials than members of the public.

"I must say it really is very good of you, Mr President, to lay on this small romantic, candle-lit dinner for two," the King joked at a state banquet held at the Quirinal Palace in Rome.

The lavish dinner for 150 guests coincided with the royal couple's wedding anniversary celebrations.

King Charles

King Charles met with the Italian Prime Minister during his the state visit.

Getty

Throughout the visit, both Italian political leaders and the public offered warm receptions to the royal visitors.

The trip generated considerable goodwill between the two nations.

The relaxed atmosphere of the final day gave the visit an "end-of-term feel" after an intensive schedule of engagements.

The King received a standing ovation following his speech in Italy's Parliament on Wednesday.

In his address, he called for Italy and the UK to stand together in defence of democratic values.

The successful visit concluded with both nations reaffirming their shared values and ongoing partnership.