The King and Queen received a full ceremonial welcome to Italy with a spectacular flypast of the Red Arrows and their Italian counterparts, the Frecce Tricolori.
The royal couple watched the display from the Terrace of the Quirinale Palace in Rome alongside President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura.
The King and Queen received a full ceremonial welcome to Italy with a spectacular flypast of the Red Arrows and their Italian counterparts, the Frecce Tricolori.
PA
Nine British and seven Italian jets trailed the distinctive red, white and blue colours of the UK and the red, white and green of Italy across the Roman sky.
The impressive aerial display formed part of the formal welcome as the royal couple began their state visit to Italy.
The King and Queen stood alongside their Italian hosts as the jets created a dramatic backdrop against the historic Quirinale Palace, the official residence of the Italian President.
The ceremonial welcome marked the beginning of diplomatic engagements during the royal couple’s visit to Rome.
Moments earlier, the royal couple had arrived in the courtyard where the anthems of both countries were played.
The ceremonial welcome marked the beginning of diplomatic engagements during the royal couple’s visit to Rome.
PA
The King was invited to inspect a Guard of Honour formed by the Quirinale Band, Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri and mounted Corazzieri Guards.
Inside the Sala del Bronzino, they were joined by foreign secretary David Lammy and UK Ambassador to Rome Lord Llewellyn.
President Mattarella introduced the royal couple to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Italian Ambassador to the UK Inigo Lambertini.
The Secretary General of the Quirinale, Mr Ugo Zampetti, and Diplomatic Counsellor to the President, Ambassador Fabio Cassese, were also presented.
“We are very lucky to have him,” the King remarked of Mr Lambertini during the introductions.
The King and the President then posed for a photograph in front of the flags of both countries.
The King and Queen joined President Mattarella and his daughter Laura for a private meeting in the President’s study, known as the Sala dei Colloqui.
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Following the formal introductions, the King and Queen joined President Mattarella and his daughter Laura for a private meeting in the President’s study, known as the Sala dei Colloqui.
Speaking through an interpreter, Charles told his host: “This is my 18th visit here.”
“And I remember having you here at the Quirinale before on your visits to Rome,” replied the President.
After around 20 minutes of conversation, the President presented honours to the royal couple.
The King received the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy.
The King was invited to inspect a Guard of Honour formed by the Quirinale Band, Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri and mounted Corazzieri Guards.
PA
In return, he presented the President with the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.
“It goes back quite a long way,” said the monarch. “It’s just a token really of our appreciation, you’ve served for so long.”
“I’m humbled, your Majesty,” President Mattarella replied.
The Queen received Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy.
“I’m very honoured and humbled,” she told her host.
Following the exchange of honours, the Queen and Signora Laura departed to view a selection of antique books on horsemanship in the Biblioteca del Piffetti.
The President and his daughter later reunited with the King and Queen to say their farewells in the Palace’s Sala del Bronzino.
PA
The pair toured the State Rooms of the 16th Century palace, where they chatted to staff preparing for tomorrow’s State Banquet.
They also observed workers carrying out repairs on tapestries and furniture throughout the historic residence.
Palermo-born Sergio Mattarella, 83, is Italy’s longest-serving President, first elected in January 2015 and again in January 2022.
Since becoming President, he has been accompanied by his daughter, known as Signora Laura, at official events following the loss of his wife Marisa to cancer in 2012.
The President and his daughter later reunited with the King and Queen to say their farewells in the Palace’s Sala del Bronzino.
