The King and Queen will fly into Rome later for their state visit to Italy, despite the recent concerns about his health. The trip comes just a week and a half after Buckingham Palace confirmed the monarch had been taken to hospital following side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment.
Last week, he did return to a full diary of official engagements, albeit slightly adjusted to give more time for rest ahead of the trip to Italy. The four-day visit, on behalf of the government, is an important step in continuing efforts to bolster relationships with EU countries following Brexit, but also significant in the context of Donald Trump’s presidency and the disruption that has caused.
The King and Queen were also due to visit the Vatican City and meet Pope Francis, but that was postponed in recent weeks due to the Pope’s ill health. The palace said the visit to Italy would «underscore the depth and breadth of the bilateral relationship: our defence relationship including in the current international context; our shared values, history and culture; our work together on the clean energy transition; and the links between our peoples and communities».
Among the highlights to watch out for will be a speech by the King to both Houses of Parliament, the first British monarch to do so, along with a flypast by the UK’s Red Arrows and Italy’s equivalent, the Frecce Tricolori, reinforcing the importance of defence ties.
On Wednesday, the King and Queen will also mark their 20th wedding anniversary, as the guests of honour at the traditional state banquet – some would say a far cry from the mixed reception their relationship received in the 1980s and 1990s. For the King, the trip comes at a time of more current family issues back home.
Last week on Friday, the palace was forced to put out a statement regarding fresh documents revealing details of Prince Andrew’s business dealings with the alleged Chinese spy Yang Tangbo. On Tuesday, the latest stage in Prince Harry’s case against the Home Office, regarding his security, will also get underway, an unwelcome distraction as his father concentrates on diplomatic matters overseas.
SOURCE