Monarch marks milestone moment for the Crown during state visit to Italy
King Charles made royal history this week as he became the first British
monarch—and only the fourth non-Italian ever—to address a joint session of the
Italian Parliament.
Delivering his speech in both English and Italian, the 75-year-old monarch
received a warm and extended round of applause from lawmakers. During the
address, the King took a poignant moment to honor his late mother, Queen
Elizabeth II.
Speaking in Italian, he said: “È molto importante per La Regina, e per me,
tornare in Italia per la nostra prima visita dopo l’incoronazione… Il momento
è ancora più speciale per entrambi, dato che, oggi, ricorre anche il nostro
ventesimo anniversario di matrimonio.”
(“It means a very great deal to The Queen and myself to return to Italy for
our first visit since my Accession. The timing is all the more special to us
both since today also marks our twentieth wedding anniversary.”)
Continuing in English, the King shared his deep affection for Italy, calling
it “a country very dear to my heart and that of The Queen – as it is to so
many of our countrymen and women.”
Charles reflected on his longstanding ties to Italy, having made 18 official
visits over the past four decades. “It has been one of the pleasures of my
life to come to know this irresistible country,” he said, naming cities from
Turin to Palermo and expressing admiration for Italy’s culture and people.
The speech marked a significant moment for the monarchy and underscored the
King’s role in strengthening post-Brexit ties with European allies—all while
quietly honoring his mother’s enduring legacy.
