The roar from two F35 Lightening fighter jets, escorting the King and Queen as they landed safely in Rome, ensured the State Visit began in style.
As we arrived on the tarmac ahead of Their Majesties’ arrival, we observed the guard of honour (made up of the Italian Navy, Italian Army and Italian Air Force personnel) rehearse an official welcome – a NATO ally on the world stage.
The greeting of dignitaries on the red carpet, including the UK Ambassador to Italy, Lord Llewellyn, and Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, was relatively short-lived.
Described as an “administrative arrival,” we are not expecting full pomp and pageantry until the State Welcome on Tuesday morning. This is when we expect the British National Anthem to be played, and a joint flypast between the RAF Red Arrows and Italy’s Frecce Tricolori. Before the King and Queen landed, I walked around Rome’s ancient Colosseum.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s State Visit sparks ‘royal fever’ in Rome – analysis by Cameron Walker
Getty
Weaving in and out of crowds of tourists from around the world, there was little indication a State Visit from King Charles and Queen Camilla was imminent.
However, gossip amongst locals is ramping up – both in Rome and Ravenna.
“Royal Fever Rising” was the headline in one local newspaper in Ravenna recently, perhaps indicating the Italian people are growing increasingly excited about the visit.
The UK Ambassador to Italy, Lord Llewelyn, even claims the owner of his local pizzeria has asked about the King’s visit every time he eats there.
It appears the Italian buzz for King Charles started way before this State Visit was planned, even if one doesn’t count his seventeen previous visits as the former Prince of Wales.
Queen Camilla and King Charles will also spend their anniversary in ItalyReutersOn the eve of His Majesty’s Coronation in May 2023, the King warmly greeted crowds who were waiting on The Mall – close to Buckingham Palace.
While embarking on the surprise walkabout, he told an Italian television news crew: “I love Italy.”
Lord Llewelyn believes the “feeling is mutual”, indicating the UK Government is well advised to send King Charles to strengthen bilateral relations between the UK and Italy.
The UK Ambassador told us: “This visit will deliver a meaningful and broad legacy. Above all, Their Majesties will do something intangible but priceless.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arriving in Italy on MondayReuters
King Charles and Camilla departed the airport in Rome to begin their state visitPA
“Their visit will strengthen the closeness between our nations in a way that only they can. Creating memories that will last a generation. Their love for Italy and all things Italian.
“The things Italians cherish. Culture, food, heritage resonate very, very deeply here. So a lot to look forward to in the next few days.
“A State Visit that brings together, quite simply, the best of Italy and the best of Britain. The closest of friends, allies and partners.”
Government officials, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, are expected to carry out meetings with their Italian counterparts behind the scenes, as King Charles unlocks doors using his soft power of diplomacy.
