King Charles and Queen Camilla are preparing to embark on a state visit to Italy on 7 April, marking their first official overseas engagement since the King’s recent hospital treatment for side effects related to his cancer care.
This significant visit coincides with a personal milestone for the royal couple—their 20th wedding anniversary.
While the occasion is typically marked privately, this year’s anniversary will be part of a more public celebration. On 9 April, Their Majesties will attend a formal black-tie State Banquet hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the historic Quirinale Palace.
Highlights of the three-day visit include a symbolic display of UK-Italy defence cooperation, with a joint flypast over Rome featuring the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori and the UK’s Royal Air Force Red Arrows.
An anticipated audience with Pope Francis was initially planned but has since been cancelled as the pontiff continues his recovery from double pneumonia. Buckingham Palace issued a statement confirming the change, noting that doctors advised the Pope to undergo “an extended period of rest and recuperation.”
The Palace added: “Their Majesties send The Pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in The Holy See, once he has recovered.”
Looking Back: Charles and Camilla’s Wedding
King Charles and Queen Camilla were married on 9 April 2005 in a civil ceremony held at Windsor Guildhall. Their wedding was postponed by a day to allow Charles to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
The understated ceremony was followed by a Service of Prayer and Dedication at Windsor Castle, attended by Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and other members of the royal family.
For the occasion, Camilla wore two elegant ensembles created by British designers Antonia Robinson and Anna Valentine.
The civil ceremony outfit featured a knee-length cream dress paired with a feathered Philip Treacy hat. For the blessing, she changed into a pale blue and gold embroidered coat over a matching chiffon gown, adorned with a delicate spray of gold feathers in her hair.
