King Charles made a bold choice during the historic moment that he addressed the Italian parliament – the first time a British Monarch has spoken to both chambers. And he made it clear that he did so as both the King of the United Kingdom and King of Canada.
He was given a standing ovation at the Palazzo Montecitorio following his speech where he called on both nations to stand together in defence of democracy in an increasingly volatile political climate.
(Senate TV still/ fair use)
His Majesty spoke at length on the role of Commonwealth troops during the Second World War, including during the liberation of Ravenna. He noted that he will be attending commemoration ceremonies during the State Visit as “King of the United Kingdom and King of Canada”, once again emphasising his role as the Canadian sovereign.
With Canada facing political and economic difficulties from the United States, The King has shown his support for his Canadian realm throughout the last few months.
It came on a special day for The King and Queen, as they celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary. And that was also on The King’s mind in his parliamentary address as he noted ”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.”
(Royal Family/ Instagram still/ fair use)
Queen Camilla was presented with a Margherita pizza from school children at a visit on the morning of her anniversary.
Later, she changed into her Anna Valentine wedding dress for another engagement where she was offered ice cream, a sweet end to an especially sweet day.
