King Charles III landed in Rome on Monday, April 7, 2025, alongside Queen Camilla, kicking off a four-day official visit to Italy. At 76, the British monarch remains steadfast in his commitments, despite battling cancer diagnosed in February 2024, with weekly treatments at a specialized unit in London. This trip, spanning Rome and Ravenna, marks his first state visit of the year and coincides with the celebration of his 20th wedding anniversary, set to be honored with a banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale. As Charles III places duty first, family matters, including Prince Harry’s appeal for reinstated security in the UK, linger in the background, testing the king’s focus amid personal and institutional challenges.
The Italian tour follows a brief hospitalization on March 27, less than two weeks prior, due to treatment side effects. Yet, sources close to Buckingham Palace insist he is in “great shape” and unwavering in his role. The itinerary features meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, plus a historic milestone: Charles III will become the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian parliament. The visit underscores his resolve to bolster UK-Italy ties, leveraging the monarchy’s soft power in a post-Brexit landscape.
While the king presses forward with his duties, Prince Harry, hisожалуй
his younger son, gears up for a legal battle. This week, the 40-year-old duke will appeal a 2020 decision stripping him of state-funded security during UK visits, a fallout from his and Meghan Markle’s exit from royal duties and move to the US. The dispute highlights ongoing family tensions, but palace insiders emphasize that Charles III remains focused on his public role. The Rome trip, rich in symbolism and history, showcases his resilience as he navigates health struggles and familial strife.
King’s health draws global attention
Diagnosed with cancer over a year ago after a procedure for benign prostate enlargement, Charles III has balanced treatment with a demanding schedule. The specific cancer type remains undisclosed, though it’s not prostate-related. Since February 2024, he has undergone regular sessions in London, briefly pausing public duties before resuming in April last year. His latest hospital stay, described as a minor setback, didn’t derail plans for Italy, with the king back at work by April 1.
Global interest in his health spiked post-diagnosis. After a temporary break, he logged over 200 engagements in 2025, including a nine-day Pacific tour last October. The Italy visit tests his stamina, following the “perfect tonic” of the Australia-Samoa trip, per palace sources. Camilla has been a steady presence, providing emotional support amid intense scrutiny and a packed agenda.
Duty defines Charles III’s reign, which began in November 2022 after Queen Elizabeth II’s death. At 76, he was the oldest to ascend the throne, bringing a pragmatic approach honed over decades. The Italy trip, meticulously planned since early 2025, reflects his commitment, even as cancer and family issues loom large.
Italy welcomes royal couple with fanfare
Charles III and Camilla touched down at Ciampino Airport in Rome to a warm reception, greeted by an honor guard and Italian officials, joined by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The first state visit of 2025, requested by the British government, aims to strengthen bilateral ties with Italy, a NATO ally and partner in the Global Combat Air Programme. Crowds waved flags as the couple arrived, signaling the monarchy’s enduring appeal abroad.
In Rome, Charles III will make history addressing both houses of the Italian parliament on Tuesday, followed by a meeting with Sergio Mattarella at the Palazzo Quirinale. A gala banquet on Wednesday, marking their 20th anniversary, will feature a vegetarian menu at their request, aligning with their sustainability stance—a cause Charles has championed for years.
The Ravenna leg includes a tribute to the 80th anniversary of the province’s liberation from Nazi control on April 10, 1945, by Allied forces, including British and Canadian troops. The couple will visit Dante Alighieri’s tomb and join a “slow food” festival in Emilia-Romagna, blending culture and history to deepen UK-Italy bonds. The visit boosts tourism and global interest in Italy.
Prince Harry fights for security amid king’s tour
As Charles III tours Italy, Prince Harry readies for a legal showdown in London. This week, he’ll appeal the UK government’s 2020 decision to remove his state-funded security for British visits, a consequence of stepping back from royal duties and relocating to Montecito, California, with Meghan Markle and their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.
Harry argues his family’s risk remains high, citing his sixth-in-line status and the 1997 tragedy of Princess Diana’s death. The government counters that his non-working royal status warrants reduced protection, limited to official events. The appeal could widen family rifts at a sensitive time for the king.
Relations between Charles III and Harry have been strained since 2020. Harry’s 2023 memoir “Spare” detailed clashes with his father and brother, Prince William, fueling the divide. Post-cancer diagnosis, Harry visited briefly, but the security dispute underscores unresolved practical and emotional tensions.
Duty drives Charles III forward
Taking the throne amid transition, Charles III faces health woes, a slimmed-down royal roster, and public controversies. His duty-first mantra echoes his mother’s 70-year reign of stability. At 76, he’s visited Italy 17 times as Prince of Wales—twice with Camilla—but this marks his first as king, carrying greater weight.
A February dinner at Highgrove previewed the trip, celebrating Anglo-Italian ties with community leaders. Charles and Camilla’s love for Italy’s culture, food, and history adds authenticity to the visit, which doubles as a platform for UK economic and diplomatic goals.
Resilience shines through his packed schedule. Last October’s Australia-Samoa tour saw up to 10 daily engagements, a pace mirrored in Italy despite health setbacks. Sources say he’s “making up for lost time” after a rocky first year, marked by his diagnosis and Kate Middleton’s cancer battle in 2024.
Camilla stands by king in pivotal moment
Queen Camilla, 77, has been Charles III’s rock through his reign and cancer fight. Joining him for every Italian event, she brings levity and strength, especially as they mark 20 years of marriage amid adversity. Wednesday’s Palazzo Quirinale banquet doubles as a personal milestone, following their 2005 Windsor wedding.
In Ravenna, Camilla will solo-visit the Byron Museum, reflecting her literary interests. Her steady presence balances the king’s load, notably during the Pacific tour, where she softened debates about Australia’s monarchy status with charm.
Her influence is subtle but vital. She’s urged Charles to press on despite medical advice for breaks, like skipping New Zealand last year. Together, they project unity, bolstering the monarchy’s image amid challenges.
- Key couple moments in Italy:
- Vegetarian banquet at Palazzo Quirinale.
- Joint visit to Dante’s tomb in Ravenna.
- Ravenna liberation 80th anniversary event.
Family tensions challenge reign
Family strife tests Charles III, with Harry’s security appeal the latest strain. The 2020 exit of Harry and Meghan shrank the working royals, exposing internal fractures. Their 2022 Netflix series “Harry & Meghan” and “Spare” aired grievances against the king and institution, citing emotional neglect.
Prince Andrew’s scandal—tied to Jeffrey Epstein and a banned Chinese spy, Yang Tengbo—adds pressure. Reports of Andrew seeking Charles’s aid in Windsor surfaced, though the palace denies the king’s prior knowledge. These issues push Charles to preserve the Crown’s reputation.
Focusing on duty, Charles sidesteps direct comment on Harry or Andrew, leaving aides to handle fallout. The Italy visit projects stability, promising a diplomatic and economic lift amid personal turmoil.
Historic milestones mark Italian agenda
Charles III’s Italy trip carries deep historical resonance. His Tuesday parliamentary address—the first by a British monarch—underscores royal influence in Europe. The joint session with Italy’s deputies and senators, attended by top leaders, cements UK-Italy partnership.
In Ravenna, the April 10 tribute to the 1945 liberation honors Allied efforts, including British troops. Visiting Dante’s tomb and the “slow food” festival ties past to present, celebrating Emilia-Romagna’s heritage.
A joint flypast by Italy’s Frecce Tricolori and the RAF’s Red Arrows over Rome highlights NATO ties and joint defense projects, like advanced fighter jets. These moments signal Charles III’s message: duty outshines personal trials.
Timeline of the Italy visit
The four-day tour follows a tight schedule, blending official and cultural stops:
- April 7: Arrival in Rome, greeted at Ciampino Airport.
- April 8: Parliament address and Mattarella meeting.
- April 9: 20th anniversary banquet at Palazzo Quirinale.
- April 10: Ravenna visit, liberation tribute, and festival.
Charles III builds his legacy
The Italy trip shapes Charles III’s reign amid adversity. Diagnosed with cancer soon after ascending, his first year faced health and family hurdles, yet his robust agenda signals strength. The visit blends diplomacy, history, and personal celebration, balancing tradition and modernity.
Camilla’s presence reinforces this narrative. Their anniversary banquet, with leaders like Giorgia Meloni and Sergio Mattarella, merges private joy with statecraft. Harry’s security fight and Andrew’s scandal remind that Charles’s reign is multifaceted, demanding resilience.
With 70 years as Prince of Wales, Charles brings a clear vision: a leaner, cause-driven monarchy fit for today. The Italy visit, boosting tourism, ties, and visibility, advances this, as he battles cancer and family woes with steadfast resolve.

King Charles III landed in Rome on Monday, April 7, 2025, alongside Queen Camilla, kicking off a four-day official visit to Italy. At 76, the British monarch remains steadfast in his commitments, despite battling cancer diagnosed in February 2024, with weekly treatments at a specialized unit in London. This trip, spanning Rome and Ravenna, marks his first state visit of the year and coincides with the celebration of his 20th wedding anniversary, set to be honored with a banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale. As Charles III places duty first, family matters, including Prince Harry’s appeal for reinstated security in the UK, linger in the background, testing the king’s focus amid personal and institutional challenges.
The Italian tour follows a brief hospitalization on March 27, less than two weeks prior, due to treatment side effects. Yet, sources close to Buckingham Palace insist he is in “great shape” and unwavering in his role. The itinerary features meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, plus a historic milestone: Charles III will become the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian parliament. The visit underscores his resolve to bolster UK-Italy ties, leveraging the monarchy’s soft power in a post-Brexit landscape.
While the king presses forward with his duties, Prince Harry, hisожалуй
his younger son, gears up for a legal battle. This week, the 40-year-old duke will appeal a 2020 decision stripping him of state-funded security during UK visits, a fallout from his and Meghan Markle’s exit from royal duties and move to the US. The dispute highlights ongoing family tensions, but palace insiders emphasize that Charles III remains focused on his public role. The Rome trip, rich in symbolism and history, showcases his resilience as he navigates health struggles and familial strife.
King’s health draws global attention
Diagnosed with cancer over a year ago after a procedure for benign prostate enlargement, Charles III has balanced treatment with a demanding schedule. The specific cancer type remains undisclosed, though it’s not prostate-related. Since February 2024, he has undergone regular sessions in London, briefly pausing public duties before resuming in April last year. His latest hospital stay, described as a minor setback, didn’t derail plans for Italy, with the king back at work by April 1.
Global interest in his health spiked post-diagnosis. After a temporary break, he logged over 200 engagements in 2025, including a nine-day Pacific tour last October. The Italy visit tests his stamina, following the “perfect tonic” of the Australia-Samoa trip, per palace sources. Camilla has been a steady presence, providing emotional support amid intense scrutiny and a packed agenda.
Duty defines Charles III’s reign, which began in November 2022 after Queen Elizabeth II’s death. At 76, he was the oldest to ascend the throne, bringing a pragmatic approach honed over decades. The Italy trip, meticulously planned since early 2025, reflects his commitment, even as cancer and family issues loom large.
Italy welcomes royal couple with fanfare
Charles III and Camilla touched down at Ciampino Airport in Rome to a warm reception, greeted by an honor guard and Italian officials, joined by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The first state visit of 2025, requested by the British government, aims to strengthen bilateral ties with Italy, a NATO ally and partner in the Global Combat Air Programme. Crowds waved flags as the couple arrived, signaling the monarchy’s enduring appeal abroad.
In Rome, Charles III will make history addressing both houses of the Italian parliament on Tuesday, followed by a meeting with Sergio Mattarella at the Palazzo Quirinale. A gala banquet on Wednesday, marking their 20th anniversary, will feature a vegetarian menu at their request, aligning with their sustainability stance—a cause Charles has championed for years.
The Ravenna leg includes a tribute to the 80th anniversary of the province’s liberation from Nazi control on April 10, 1945, by Allied forces, including British and Canadian troops. The couple will visit Dante Alighieri’s tomb and join a “slow food” festival in Emilia-Romagna, blending culture and history to deepen UK-Italy bonds. The visit boosts tourism and global interest in Italy.
Prince Harry fights for security amid king’s tour
As Charles III tours Italy, Prince Harry readies for a legal showdown in London. This week, he’ll appeal the UK government’s 2020 decision to remove his state-funded security for British visits, a consequence of stepping back from royal duties and relocating to Montecito, California, with Meghan Markle and their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.
Harry argues his family’s risk remains high, citing his sixth-in-line status and the 1997 tragedy of Princess Diana’s death. The government counters that his non-working royal status warrants reduced protection, limited to official events. The appeal could widen family rifts at a sensitive time for the king.
Relations between Charles III and Harry have been strained since 2020. Harry’s 2023 memoir “Spare” detailed clashes with his father and brother, Prince William, fueling the divide. Post-cancer diagnosis, Harry visited briefly, but the security dispute underscores unresolved practical and emotional tensions.
Duty drives Charles III forward
Taking the throne amid transition, Charles III faces health woes, a slimmed-down royal roster, and public controversies. His duty-first mantra echoes his mother’s 70-year reign of stability. At 76, he’s visited Italy 17 times as Prince of Wales—twice with Camilla—but this marks his first as king, carrying greater weight.
A February dinner at Highgrove previewed the trip, celebrating Anglo-Italian ties with community leaders. Charles and Camilla’s love for Italy’s culture, food, and history adds authenticity to the visit, which doubles as a platform for UK economic and diplomatic goals.
Resilience shines through his packed schedule. Last October’s Australia-Samoa tour saw up to 10 daily engagements, a pace mirrored in Italy despite health setbacks. Sources say he’s “making up for lost time” after a rocky first year, marked by his diagnosis and Kate Middleton’s cancer battle in 2024.
Camilla stands by king in pivotal moment
Queen Camilla, 77, has been Charles III’s rock through his reign and cancer fight. Joining him for every Italian event, she brings levity and strength, especially as they mark 20 years of marriage amid adversity. Wednesday’s Palazzo Quirinale banquet doubles as a personal milestone, following their 2005 Windsor wedding.
In Ravenna, Camilla will solo-visit the Byron Museum, reflecting her literary interests. Her steady presence balances the king’s load, notably during the Pacific tour, where she softened debates about Australia’s monarchy status with charm.
Her influence is subtle but vital. She’s urged Charles to press on despite medical advice for breaks, like skipping New Zealand last year. Together, they project unity, bolstering the monarchy’s image amid challenges.
- Key couple moments in Italy:
- Vegetarian banquet at Palazzo Quirinale.
- Joint visit to Dante’s tomb in Ravenna.
- Ravenna liberation 80th anniversary event.
Family tensions challenge reign
Family strife tests Charles III, with Harry’s security appeal the latest strain. The 2020 exit of Harry and Meghan shrank the working royals, exposing internal fractures. Their 2022 Netflix series “Harry & Meghan” and “Spare” aired grievances against the king and institution, citing emotional neglect.
Prince Andrew’s scandal—tied to Jeffrey Epstein and a banned Chinese spy, Yang Tengbo—adds pressure. Reports of Andrew seeking Charles’s aid in Windsor surfaced, though the palace denies the king’s prior knowledge. These issues push Charles to preserve the Crown’s reputation.
Focusing on duty, Charles sidesteps direct comment on Harry or Andrew, leaving aides to handle fallout. The Italy visit projects stability, promising a diplomatic and economic lift amid personal turmoil.
Historic milestones mark Italian agenda
Charles III’s Italy trip carries deep historical resonance. His Tuesday parliamentary address—the first by a British monarch—underscores royal influence in Europe. The joint session with Italy’s deputies and senators, attended by top leaders, cements UK-Italy partnership.
In Ravenna, the April 10 tribute to the 1945 liberation honors Allied efforts, including British troops. Visiting Dante’s tomb and the “slow food” festival ties past to present, celebrating Emilia-Romagna’s heritage.
A joint flypast by Italy’s Frecce Tricolori and the RAF’s Red Arrows over Rome highlights NATO ties and joint defense projects, like advanced fighter jets. These moments signal Charles III’s message: duty outshines personal trials.
Timeline of the Italy visit
The four-day tour follows a tight schedule, blending official and cultural stops:
- April 7: Arrival in Rome, greeted at Ciampino Airport.
- April 8: Parliament address and Mattarella meeting.
- April 9: 20th anniversary banquet at Palazzo Quirinale.
- April 10: Ravenna visit, liberation tribute, and festival.
Charles III builds his legacy
The Italy trip shapes Charles III’s reign amid adversity. Diagnosed with cancer soon after ascending, his first year faced health and family hurdles, yet his robust agenda signals strength. The visit blends diplomacy, history, and personal celebration, balancing tradition and modernity.
Camilla’s presence reinforces this narrative. Their anniversary banquet, with leaders like Giorgia Meloni and Sergio Mattarella, merges private joy with statecraft. Harry’s security fight and Andrew’s scandal remind that Charles’s reign is multifaceted, demanding resilience.
With 70 years as Prince of Wales, Charles brings a clear vision: a leaner, cause-driven monarchy fit for today. The Italy visit, boosting tourism, ties, and visibility, advances this, as he battles cancer and family woes with steadfast resolve.
