King Charles III arrived in Rome on Monday, marking his first overseas visit since being briefly hospitalized for side effects from cancer treatment. Accompanied by Queen Camilla, the British monarch began a three-day state visit to Italy aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and commemorating shared wartime history.
The 76-year-old monarch’s itinerary includes a historic first — an address to the Italian Parliament, making him the first British king to do so. He is also scheduled to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
A planned meeting with Pope Francis was postponed due to the pope’s recent recovery from double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff returned to the Vatican two weeks ago and made a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
King Charles was briefly hospitalized on March 27 due to what Buckingham Palace described as “temporary side effects” of ongoing cancer treatment. He was seen the following day greeting the public in central London and has since resumed royal engagements.
The royal visit underscores the close diplomatic and defense ties between the United Kingdom and Italy, both NATO members. A symbolic joint flyover of Rome by the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori and the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows will highlight military cooperation.
As part of the visit, the royal couple will travel to Ravenna in the Emilia-Romagna region to honor the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation from Nazi occupation by Allied forces on April 10, 1945. The visit will also spotlight regional challenges and resilience, including meetings with local farmers affected by recent floods.
In addition to historical and diplomatic engagements, the King and Queen will participate in cultural events, celebrating Emilia-Romagna’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant local traditions.
Sources By Agencies
