King Charles and Camilla mark 20 years with historic Rome visit

King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Queen Camilla are spending their 20th wedding anniversary in Rome, where they are on an official visit. According to the BBC, on Wednesday, 9th April, the royal couple will participate in a series of meetings with Italian leaders and will take part in special ceremonies held in their honour.

Before noon, King Charles III will meet with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Villa Pamphili. Then, around 3 PM, the royal couple will visit the Chamber of Deputies, where Charles III, as the first British monarch, will deliver a speech before the combined houses of parliament. Media speculate that the King may also speak in Italian.

In the evening, Italian President Sergio Mattarella will host a formal reception at the Presidential Palace on the Quirinal. The official dinner will feature a toast in honour of the couple celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary.

Additionally, the management of the archaeological park around the Colosseum has prepared a special gift for the royal couple. The Temple of Venus and Rome from the 2nd century AD will be illuminated, and the word "Amor" will be projected on its ruins.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are enthusiastically welcomed by the residents of Rome and tourists. Crowds gathered in the Colosseum area, which the royal couple toured on Tuesday afternoon. This is Charles III's first visit to Italy since his coronation.

Although Charles and Camilla are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, their acquaintance dates back much further. They met in 1970 during a polo match. There was a spark between them from the first meeting. Palace rumours suggest that Charles's chosen one did not appeal to his mother.

However, even Queen Elizabeth II's disapproval and the marriages both entered into did not prevent them from maintaining contact. Ultimately, the lovers managed to achieve their goal. In 2005, they tied the knot and remain together to this day.