On the second day of their state visit to Italy, King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted with a grand ceremonial welcome, highlighted by a breathtaking flypast featuring the Red Arrows and their Italian counterparts, the Frecce Tricolori.
This stunning display of nine British and seven Italian jets trailing the vibrant red, white, and blue of the UK and the green, white, and red of Italy captivated the royal couple as they met President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace in Rome.
Joined by the President and his daughter, Laura, the royals observed the flyover from the terrace. Moments before, the King and Queen arrived in the palace courtyard, where the anthems of both nations were played, and Charles was invited to inspect a Guard of Honour, made up of members from the Quirinale Band, Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri, and mounted Corazzieri Guards.
Inside the historic Sala del Bronzino, the royal couple was accompanied by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and UK Ambassador to Rome, Lord Llewellyn.
They were introduced to key Italian officials, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Ambassador Inigo Lambertini, Secretary General of the Quirinale, Ugo Zampetti, and Diplomatic Counsellor Ambassador Fabio Cassese. Reflecting on the occasion, the King remarked, “We are very lucky to have him,” speaking of Mr. Lambertini.
Following this warm reception, King Charles and President Mattarella posed for a photograph before meeting privately in the President’s study, the Sala dei Colloqui. During their conversation, the King remarked, “This is my 18th visit here,” to which the President responded, “I remember having you here at the Quirinale before.”
After around 20 minutes of private discussion, the President bestowed significant honours upon the royal couple. King Charles was awarded the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, while he presented President Mattarella with the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.
“It’s just a token really of our appreciation, you’ve served for so long,” said the King, to which the President humbly responded, “I’m humbled, your Majesty.”
Queen Camilla was honoured with the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy. “I’m very honoured and humbled,” she expressed.
President Mattarella, Italy’s longest-serving President since his election in 2015, has been accompanied by his daughter, Laura, to many official events following the passing of his wife in 2012. The Queen and Laura later visited the Biblioteca del Piffetti to view a collection of antique books on horsemanship, before touring the grand State Rooms of the 16th-century palace, where they met with staff preparing for the State Banquet and performing repairs on historic tapestries and furniture.
The visit concluded with a final farewell in the Sala del Bronzino, adorned with magnificent tapestries designed by the renowned Florentine artist Bronzino.
