British State Visit to the Holy See and Italy: April 2025


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Nice to see the King looking so well and good to see the Foreign Minister accompanying the King and Queen. The daughter of the president is looking elegant as always, and as ever by her father´s side at such events. She must be a great support.
 
Since the King is ill , no State Banquets for all the State Visits.
 
It seems no State Banquet today. Quiet odd
I had read on social media that it was scheduled for Wednesday, 9 April, the wedding anniversary of the King & Queen.
 
Yes I have read it is tomorrow (Wed).

I wonder if a more detailed itinerary hasn't been released because of the relatively last minute changes to the programme due to the cancellation of the Vatican elements.
 
Having Alberto Angela as a tourist guide is practically every Italian's dream 😅
I was thinking the same thing! A private visit to the Colosseum with Alberto Angela as your tour guide would be a wonderful experience 😅
 
The speech was well delivered. HM is a natural. Maybe a native speaker could let us know how his Italian sounded?

I get the impression that HM puts a lot of himself into these sort of speeches. As with HM's speeches after the death of the late queen, in Paris & Berlin & now in Rome The King more than lives upto the legacy of HLM.

One phrase, "in the time that is granted to me as King", struck me as rather sad but I'm probably reading too much into it.
 
Oh my, those Roman guards at the entrance to the Palazzo are formidable looking! Beautiful, stunning setting.

I noticed Camilla drew gasps of appreciation when she exited the limo, she looks quite stunning as well.
 
The speech was well delivered. HM is a natural. Maybe a native speaker could let us know how his Italian sounded?

I get the impression that HM puts a lot of himself into these sort of speeches. As with HM's speeches after the death of the late queen, in Paris & Berlin & now in Rome The King more than lives upto the legacy of HLM.

One phrase, "in the time that is granted to me as King", struck me as rather sad but I'm probably reading too much into it.
He has a strong accent, but he pronounced all the words correctly, including difficult ones. I think it was remarkable
 
Photos from tonight's state banquet.

Video:
 
The speech was well delivered. HM is a natural. Maybe a native speaker could let us know how his Italian sounded?

I get the impression that HM puts a lot of himself into these sort of speeches. As with HM's speeches after the death of the late queen, in Paris & Berlin & now in Rome The King more than lives upto the legacy of HLM.

One phrase, "in the time that is granted to me as King", struck me as rather sad but I'm probably reading too much into it.
I think the King's interest in amateur dramatics helps. Of course he's had 50+ years practice giving speeches and so you'd expect him to be at least competent but it must help him feel more comfortable, especially speaking in a language in which he is not fluent, having had experience on stage.
 
Among the guests at tonight's State dinner I've noticed John Elkann and his wife Lavinia Borromeo, Andrea Bocelli and his wife Veronica, and of course members of the Italian government.
 
He has a strong accent, but he pronounced all the words correctly, including difficult ones. I think it was remarkable
I think the King's interest in amateur dramatics helps. Of course he's had 50+ years practice giving speeches and so you'd expect him to be at least competent but it must help him feel more comfortable, especially speaking in a language in which he is not fluent, having had experience on stage.
Thank you for your reply lac.:)

VictoriaB, yes being involved in amateur dramatics improves confidence & helps with projection & intonation. I also think he has a lot of imput. HM is a cultured man & so has a wide knowledge of history & the liberal arts in general. When he quotes Dante it sounds as though he really appreciates him as a poet. It feels authentic & not just something he has to do because making a speech in a foreign parliament is part of his role. I don't think either the late queen or the Prince of Wales would deliver such a speech in quite the same way.
 
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