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.
