King Charles III has let it be known that he has warmly welcomed the initiative, recalling the visit to Italy – and the subsequent visit to the Vatican – as a particularly significant experience. One year on, that State Visit is revisited in a photographic exhibition.
At Villa Wolkonsky, the residence of the British Ambassador to Italy, “A Riveder le Stelle” has opened, dedicated to the visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to Italy, from 7 to 10 April 2025, spanning Rome and Ravenna.
More than thirty images trace the State Visit step by step. The arrival at the Quirinale with the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella; the address to a joint sitting of Parliament, made possible by the Presidents of the Senate and the Chamber, Ignazio La Russa and Lorenzo Fontana; the meeting with the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, at Villa Pamphilj; the roundtable on Energy and Climate – a subject close to the King’s heart – with the Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani.
Then the other engagements: the tribute to the Unknown Soldier in the presence of the Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto; the visit to the Colosseum Archaeological Park with the Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli; Queen Camilla’s meeting with a Roman primary school alongside the Education Minister, Giuseppe Valditara; and finally the stops in Ravenna involving local institutions.
Alongside the official encounters, the images also capture more informal moments: the crowds at the Colosseum, the anticipation of the citizens, the genuine participation during the royal progress.
“The decision to host this initiative,” said David Burton, Interim Chargé d’Affaires at the British Embassy, “stems from a deep conviction of ours: the success of the State Visit was made possible thanks to a broad and fruitful collaboration with Italy, but above all thanks to the affection shown by the institutions and the very many citizens who took part and welcomed Their Majesties with extraordinary warmth.”
The title of the exhibition echoes the quotation from Dante with which King Charles III concluded his address to the Italian Parliament.
The exhibition is further enriched by video contributions. In a video message addressed to the guests of the opening evening, Alberto Angela, who accompanied Their Majesties during the visit to the Colosseum Archaeological Park, spoke of feeling “an enormous emotion, but also a tremendous sense of responsibility”.
“Among other things,” he added, “what struck me most was their interest: they were engaged, deeply interested. It was a very beautiful experience that I shall not forget – and neither, I believe, will you.”
Carolyn Smith, a familiar face on Italian television, also recounted in her video-memory that the encounter allowed her to fulfil her dream: “it was a wonderful experience.”
“A Riveder le Stelle” will remain open for viewing throughout the year on the occasion of events organised at Villa Wolkonsky, including the celebrations for King Charles III’s birthday next June.
©Ambasciata Britannica Roma
