The King and Queen received a red carpet welcome and watched a flypast as they were greeted by Italy’s president following their arrival in Rome for a state visit.
The royal couple were met by President Sergio Mattarella at his official residence in Rome, the Quirinale Palace, after their limousine was escorted into the palace quadrangle by mounted Corazzieri guards.
Laura Mattarella, the president’s daughter acting in a first lady role following the death of her mother, was also there to greet Charles and Camilla.
The couple landed at Rome’s Ciampino Airport on Tuesday morning, where again they had a red carpet rolled out for them as they were met by dignitaries, including the UK’s ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewellyn.
The King and Queen are received by Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura. Pic: Reuters
King Charles is welcomed at Quirinale Palace. Pic: Reuters
Charles, Camilla, President Mattarella and his daughter stood still as they listened to the national anthems of Italy and the UK being played out at the Quirinale.
Lined up nearby them were a guard of honour formed of the Quirinale Band, troops from the Italian army, navy and air force, members of Italy’s military police the Carabinieri and mounted Corazzieri guards.
The King and Queen watched a joint flypast over the capital by the Italian air force’s aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, streaming Italy’s national colours, and the RAF’s Red Arrows who left red, white and blue smoke in their wake.
Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Honours were later exchanged by the King and the president at the palace.
The King was made a Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, and he presented Mr Mattarella with the insignia for a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.
“It goes back quite a long way,” said Charles. “It’s just a token really of our appreciation, you’ve served for so long.”
“I’m humbled, your majesty,” Mr Mattarella replied.
The Queen was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, and told her host: “I’m very honoured and humbled.”
The flypast was visible in the skyline from Gianicolo Hill. Pic: Reuters
The flypast overpassing the Colosseum.
Pic: Reuters
British and Italian military bands stand outside the Colosseum during the state visit.
Pic: Reuters
What else is on Charles and Camilla’s schedule?
After meeting the president, the couple visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located within the Victor Emmanuel II Monument (also known as Altare della Patria) in Rome’s famed Piazza Venezia, where they laid a wreath.
Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy were also in attendance.
Charles, Camilla and the Italian defence minister walk after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Pic: Reuters
The royal couple walk in front of Mr Crosetto and David Lammy while visiting the Altare della Patria.
Pic: Reuters
Charles and Camilla visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Pic: PA
Charles and Camilla then headed to the Colosseum, where they took pictures in front of the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre.
The couple greeted members of the public during a visit to the Colosseum. Pic: Phil Noble/PA
The couple greeted members of the public during their visit to the Colosseum and beamed as they waved to crowds with the iconic site in the background.
British and Italian military bands stood outside the Colosseum, which attracts millions of tourists every year, during the state visit.
Built during the first century, in its day the Colosseum held around 50,000 spectators who watched gladiators compete, including contests between men and animals and larger staged battles under the shade of a huge retractable awning.
During the royals’ visit on Tuesday, spectators were entertained by the band of the Welsh Guards and Italy’s Sassari Brigade Band, who played a selection of movie themes and other popular songs.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit the Colosseum in Rome, on the second day of their four day state visit to Italy. Picture date: Tuesday April 8, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Tour. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
The King seemed to be enjoying himself during the visit. Pic: Aaron Chown/PA
Charles and Camilla wave as they visit the Colosseum. Pic: Aaron Chown/PA
They are also attending a British community reception.
The timing of Charles and Camilla’s visit means they will spend their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday in Italy.
Corazzieri honour guards march on the day King Charles and Queen Camilla visit.
Pic: Reuters
The trip comes just less than a fortnight after Buckingham Palace confirmed the King had been taken to hospital following side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment.
Last week, he returned to a full diary of official engagements, albeit slightly adjusted to give more time for rest ahead of the trip to Italy.
Read more from Sky News:
Why King and Queen’s Italy visit is one of UK’s most important power plays
Prince Harry’s security case back in court – all you need to know
The four-day visit to Italy, on behalf of the government, is an important step in continuing efforts to bolster relationships with EU countries following Brexit, but also significant in the context of Donald Trump‘s presidency and the disruption that has caused.
The King and Queen were also due to visit the Vatican City and meet Pope Francis, but that was postponed in recent weeks due to the Pope’s ill health.