ROME—On Tuesday, Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, arrived in Rome on as they embark on their second leg of their Italian visit.

 The pair travelled on the RAF jet dubbed ‘Heir Force One’, a private plane ordered by former British Prime Minister David Cameron during his time in office.

 The couple’s first obligation was to visit the British School at Rome, a leading fine arts research institution founded in 1901. It received its Royal Charter in 1912 and a plaque was unveiled in the gardens to commemorate the royal visit. The institution serves as a direct link between academic researchers from Britain and the ancient resources that can be found in Rome.

 Director of The British School at Rome, Professor Christopher Smith, then proceeded to give the couple a brief tour of the building, showing off the institution’s history and several artworks produced by its residents.

 The pair will later be given an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

 Their arrival in Rome came after Prince Charles lauded the relationship between Italy and the UK at a gala dinner in Florence on Monday. The Prince was attending the event to receive the award for Renaissance Man of the Year.

 “Although our relationship is deeply rooted in our shared history, today, I am delighted to say, it is more firmly embedded than ever before,” said the Prince of Wales.

 “In almost any field that one can think of…the partnership between the United Kingdom and Italy brings tremendous benefits to our economies and our societies,” he added.

 This royal visit was requested by the British government as the UK looks to strengthen ties with European nations after last year’s Brexit vote.

 Whilst the Prince did not specifically use the word ‘Brexit’ he insisted that, “the partnership will continue despite Britain’s recent decision to leave the European Union.”

 Europe Minister, Sir Alan Duncan, joined the Prince at the event in Florence and spoke about the royals' strength as a diplomatic tool.

 “Obviously they are above politics but they work on such a human level,” said Sir Alan. “The Royal Family are our great, great national resource, if you like,” he added.

 Prince Charles will visit the FAO on Wednesday before the couple leave Italy to end their European visit in Austria.

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