A Special Meeting at the Vatican

In a momentous occasion marking their 20th wedding anniversary, King Charles and Queen Camilla met with Pope Francis at the Vatican. This private audience took place during their state visit to Italy, where they expressed joy at the Pope's recovery and his ability to welcome them.

A Long-Awaited Reunion

Originally planned for earlier in the trip, the meeting had been postponed due to the Pope's health issues. However, following his release from Gemelli Hospital and showing signs of improvement, the couple finally shared a heartfelt 20-minute conversation inside the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

Gifts and Good Wishes

The royals exchanged gifts with the Pope, symbolizing their cordial relationship. The meeting also featured a touching exchange where the Pope conveyed his best wishes for King Charles's recent health challenges, relating to his own recovery.

An Evening of Elegance and Humor

Later that evening, the royal couple attended a lavish state banquet hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace. In a light-hearted moment, King Charles joked about the romantic setting, saying, "It really is very good of you, Mr. President, to lay on this small romantic, candle-lit dinner for two."

Celebrating Their Love in Style

Queen Camilla honored her wedding day by donning the same elegant ivory silk dress designed by Anna Valentine for their civil ceremony in 2005. The evening was filled with notable guests, including renowned singer Andrea Bocelli.

A Message of Unity and Strength

During King Charles's speech at the banquet, he humorously referenced Monty Python while reflecting on the longstanding ties between the UK and Italy, dating back to ancient Roman times. Yet, he also issued a serious call for unity in these precarious times, emphasizing the importance of defending shared democratic values amid global conflicts.

An Address to Italian Parliament

Earlier that day, the King made history by becoming the first UK monarch to address both houses of the Italian Parliament. His speech, delivered partly in Italian, received a standing ovation, showcasing the deep respect and cooperation shared between the two nations, especially in their support for Ukraine.

A Night to Remember

The evening banquet featured a gourmet menu, including bottoni pasta and a delightful fior di latte ice cream cake. As the King and Queen celebrated their milestone anniversary, their visit not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also highlighted the enduring bond between the UK and Italy.