King Charles III and Queen Camilla landed in Rome on Monday, April 7, 2025, kicking off a four-day state visit that’s got everyone buzzing. The royal couple stepped off the plane at Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, greeted by a warm Italian welcome and a quick wave to the press before hopping into their ride. It’s the King’s first big overseas trip since a health scare last month, and he’s diving right in with Camilla by his side.
The trip’s a big deal—Charles is set to become the first British monarch to speak to both houses of Italy’s parliament, a historic moment penciled in for Tuesday. They’ve got a packed schedule: meetings with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, plus a fancy black-tie dinner at the Palazzo Quirinale. Later in the week, they’ll head to Ravenna to mark 80 years since the city’s liberation in World War II. Oh, and Wednesday’s extra special—it’s their 20th wedding anniversary.
This wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. A planned Vatican stop to meet Pope Francis got scrapped after the Pope’s rough bout with pneumonia. Still, Charles, who’s been battling cancer since early 2024, isn’t slowing down. After a brief hospital stay in March for treatment side effects, he’s back at it, proving he’s all about duty first. “He’s raring to go,” a royal insider spilled. “This trip’s like a shot of adrenaline for him.”
After Italian fighter jets gave them a military escort in the skies above Rome, King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for the start of a four day State Visit to Italy (the State Visit to the Vatican had to be cancelled due to the Pope’s health).
The King and Queen will be in… pic.twitter.com/36JYnvHbp5
Italy’s rolling out the red carpet, with fighter jets escorting their plane into Rome—a flashy touch that’s got folks on X chattering. The visit’s not just pomp and circumstance; it’s about tightening the UK-Italy bond, from trade to culture. But with Charles pushing through his health challenges, it’s also a personal win. Camilla’s right there with him, steady as ever, as they take on this whirlwind tour.