King Charles and Queen Camilla mark 20 years with Rome visit

King Charles III of Great Britain and Queen Camilla are officially marking their 20th wedding anniversary in Rome, where they are visiting. On Wednesday, April 9, the royal couple will meet with Italian leaders and attend special ceremonies prepared in their honor.

In the morning, King Charles III will meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Villa Pamphili residence. Then, around 9 AM Eastern Time, the royal couple will visit the Chamber of Deputies, where Charles III, the first British monarch, will deliver a speech to the joint houses of parliament. Media speculate that the king may also speak in Italian.

In the evening, Italian President Sergio Mattarella will host an official reception at the Presidential Palace on Quirinal Hill. During the official dinner, a toast will be made to honour 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, dating back to the 2nd century AD, will be illuminated, and the word "Amor" will be projected onto its ruins.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are enthusiastically welcomed by Rome residents and tourists. Crowds gathered around the Colosseum on Tuesday afternoon, the royal couple's first visit to Italy since their coronation.

While Charles and Camilla are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, their relationship dates back much further. They met in 1970 during a polo match. There was an immediate spark between them at their first meeting. Palace rumors suggest that Charles's choice did not initially appeal to his mother.

However, even Queen Elizabeth II's disapproval and the marriages both had entered into did not stop them from maintaining contact. Ultimately, the lovers managed to achieve their goal. 2005 they walked down the aisle and have been together ever since.