Twenty years ago, the forum of public opinion could be something of a lion’s den for them but on the eve of their milestone wedding anniversary, King Charles and Queen Camilla looked victorious as they visited the Colosseum in Rome.

The King and Queen spent time at the amphitheatre, in the heart of the Eternal City, as their State Visit to Italy got officially under way.

It might once have been the backdrop for gladiatorial battles but this royal event was far from a battleground as King Charles and Queen Camilla were welcomed by cheering crowds as they made like every other tourist to Rome and took in one of its most spectacular sights.

There was a big turnout for the royal visitors who were greeted by music from the Band of the Welsh Guards and from the Sassari Brigade Band from Italy.

The trip to the Colosseum came after a busy start to the State Visit. The King and Queen were welcomed officially to the Quirinale Palace by Italy’s President, Sergio Mattarella, and his daughter, Laura. The King and the President inspected a Guard of Honour inside the main courtyard before heading inside where official gifts were exchanged.

President Mattarella was given the insignia for the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and said he was ”humbled”. Queen Camilla shared the same reaction when she was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy. King Charles became a Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy.

Following the official welcome, The King and Queen went to the Altare della Patria where they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The State Visit will continue on April 9, the 20th wedding anniversary of King Charles and Queen Camilla. The couple will spend the day in Rome.

They also chose the city for the official portraits for their anniversary, posing there soon after touching down on April 7 2025.