King Charles Makes Historic Speech in Rome as He and Queen Camilla Mark 20th Anniversary
King Charles made history this week as the first British monarch to address both houses of Italy’s Parliament, using his speech in Rome to call for unity between democracies like the UK and Italy in the face of global instability. “Peace is never to be taken for granted,” he said, noting the shared support for Ukraine and warning that young people across Europe are seeing war unfold on their “smartphones and tablets.” Standing before Italian and EU flags, he also highlighted cultural ties between the two nations, referencing everyone from ancient Romans to Ed Sheeran.
The royal visit also marked a personal milestone: the King and Queen’s 20th wedding anniversary. Queen Camilla wore the same ivory silk dress from their 2005 wedding—this time repurposed—as they took part in a full day of engagements. While King Charles met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for a red-carpet welcome and toured the gardens of Villa Doria Pamphili, Camilla visited a school, handed out diplomas, and was gifted a Margherita pizza by children waving Union flags.
The day ended with a standing ovation in Parliament and a state banquet at the Quirinale Palace. Crowds cheered “Carlo” outside the Colosseum, and back in London, guards at Buckingham Palace celebrated the couple with a brass version of Madness’s “It Must Be Love”. The royal tour continues through Rome and Ravenna.
