ROME – King Charles III and Queen Camilla are all set to partake in a state visit to the Vatican and Italian Republic, with meetings in both Rome and Ravenna, which will coincide with their 20^th wedding anniversary on April 9. 

 During their visit the royal couple will have meetings with President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, at the Quirinale, the presidential seat and then a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Villa Doria Pamphilij. They will also participate in a series of other institutional and cultural engagements. 

 A private ecumenical service will then be held in the Sistine Chapel, however, it is still uncertain as to whether Charles will meet Pope Francis due to his recent and prolonged stay in the Gemelli Hospital. The King has made it known that it is his desire to reiterate the shared values, history and culture that bind Italy and Great Britain, with over half a million Italians currently living in the U.K. and thousands of Britons flocking to Italy each year to admire its culture. 

 Ravenna, a small city on the north east coast of Italy is also preparing for a visit from the King and Queen on the April 10 shortly before their departure. Their visit will highlight Ravenna’s cultural heritage, including but not limited to that of mosaics, Dante’s legacy and Lord Byron’s influence. The event in Ravenna will also be attended by President Sergio Mattarella and will commemorate the 80^th anniversary of Ravenna’s liberation from Nazi-fascist occupation, celebrating the values of freedom, peace and equality. 

 The British ambassador to Italy Edward Llewellyn has stated that ‘the visit to Italy by Their Majesties will be unforgettable, reaffirming the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two countries.’ He then further emphasised the importance of the fact that Italy and the United Kingdom are two historic allies and strategic partners, united in NATO, work together in the G7, G20 and the United Nations. 

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