Photo credit: The Royal Family

Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla are gearing up for a remarkable journey to the heart of Italy and the Vatican this April 2025. From April 7th to 10th, the royal couple will embark on a State Visit that’s set to celebrate the deep and enduring ties between the United Kingdom and both the Holy See and Italy.

A Special Moment in the Vatican

One of the standout moments of their visit will be their time in the Vatican during the highly anticipated 2025 Papal Jubilee—a sacred year for Catholics worldwide. King Charles and Queen Camilla will join Pope Francis in a significant service inside the Sistine Chapel, symbolizing unity between the Catholic Church and the Church of England. Given King Charles’ long-standing passion for environmental advocacy, this meeting with Pope Francis will also spotlight their shared commitment to climate action and sustainability.

In another historic first, King Charles will visit St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, a Papal Basilica that once had strong ties to English monarchs before the Reformation. Expect a truly moving moment as the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal and the Choir of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor perform in this sacred setting. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla will meet Catholic Sisters working to empower women and combat human trafficking worldwide.

Strengthening UK-Italy Ties

Moving from the Vatican to Italy, Their Majesties will celebrate the UK’s strong ties with the country. In Rome, King Charles will make history once again by being the first British Monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament. The visit also includes a grand State Banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale, hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Their visit will highlight defense cooperation between the UK and Italy, marked by a spectacular joint air show featuring the Red Arrows and Italy’s Frecce Tricolori. Meanwhile, in Ravenna, the royal couple will honor the 80th anniversary of the city's liberation from Nazi occupation, a moment of shared history between the two nations.

A Taste of Italy’s Rich Culture

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit wouldn’t be complete without embracing Italy’s world-famous culture. Their itinerary includes a regional festival in Ravenna, where they’ll experience Emilia-Romagna’s celebrated cuisine and meet local farmers affected by recent floods. The Queen will also explore Dante’s tomb and the Byron Museum, celebrating the literary icons that have shaped both British and Italian heritage.

King Charles, known for his passion for architecture and history, will visit the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, marveling at their stunning ancient mosaics while meeting artisans who are preserving this centuries-old craft.

A Royal Visit to Remember

With a schedule packed full of history, faith, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to Italy and the Vatican promises to be a truly unforgettable milestone in UK-Italy relations. From an emotional service in the Sistine Chapel to grand political engagements in Rome, Their Majesties’ journey will showcase the enduring friendship, history, and shared values between Britain and Italy.

Stay tuned for more updates as Their Majesties embark on this monumental royal tour!