King Charles Highlights UK-Italy Unity During Historic Speech in Rome

King Charles emphasized the enduring bond between Britain and Italy amid European conflict during a landmark speech to the Italian Parliament on April 9, 2025. On the third day of his state visit to Italy with Queen Camilla, the monarch became the first British sovereign to address a joint session of Parliament in Rome, switching between English and Italian and receiving warm applause.

“Peace is never to be taken for granted,” said the 76-year-old king, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. He stressed the shared democratic values between the UK and Italy, applauding both nations for their support of Ukraine and their humanitarian efforts in sheltering Ukrainian refugees.

Charles also praised the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme, a joint initiative between the UK, Italy, and Japan to develop a next-generation fighter jet, underscoring the strength of Anglo-Italian defense cooperation.

Since the UK’s departure from the European Union in 2020, such royal visits have taken on added diplomatic importance, aiming to reinforce ties with key European allies and navigate post-Brexit relationships.

Earlier in the day, Charles met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the historic Villa Doria Pamphili, where the two shared a walk through the gardens. That evening, he and Queen Camilla, who wore a reimagined version of her original wedding dress by Anna Valentine, marked their 20th wedding anniversary at a state banquet hosted by President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace.

Lower House Speaker Lorenzo Fontana acknowledged the couple’s anniversary during his opening remarks, prompting a round of applause from lawmakers.

This trip marks Charles’s first international engagement of the year, signaling the monarch’s continued dedication to diplomacy despite ongoing health challenges.