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The King and Queen to Undertake State Visits to the Holy See and Republic of Italy

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The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Visit Europe to Celebrate Links between the UK and Romania, Italy, The Holy See and Austria
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall stop on a bridge to admire the view, as they walk to the old Opera house in Venice, after arriving in the city from Rome, 2009.

THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN WILL UNDERTAKE STATE VISITS TO THE HOLY SEE AND THE REPUBLIC OF ITALY

UPDATE: THE KING AND QUEEN’S STATE VISIT TO THE HOLY SEE

The King and Queen’s State Visit to The Holy See has been postponed by mutual agreement, as medical advice has now suggested that Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation.

Their Majesties send The Pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in The Holy See, once he has recovered.

7th – 10th April 2025

Their Majesties The King and Queen will undertake state visits to the Holy See and the Republic of Italy – incorporating Rome and Ravenna – from 7th to 10th April 2025.

Their Majesties’ programmes are designed to celebrate the U.K.’s warm bilateral relationship with each country. The visit to the Holy See will be an historic visit in the year of the Papal Jubilee, and will mark a significant step forward in relations between the Catholic Church and Church of England with a special service in the Sistine Chapel, joining hands in a celebration of ecumenism, and of the work the King and the Pope have done over many years on climate and Nature.

The visit to Italy will 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.

Programme Highlights include:

THE HOLY SEE

The Jubilee Year

On Tuesday 8th April, Their Majesties will visit the Holy See to join Pope Francis in celebrating the 2025 Jubilee. Held traditionally once every 25 years, the Jubilee is a special year for the Catholic Church; a year of reconciliation, prayer and walking together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, which is the Jubilee’s theme.

Nature and Sustainability

The King and Queen will have an audience with Pope Francis. Their Majesties will also attend a service in the Sistine Chapel, focused on the theme of ‘care for creation’, reflecting Pope Francis’s and His Majesty’s long-standing commitment to nature.

Ecumenical Relationships

In an historic first, His Majesty, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, will also visit the Papal Basilica of ‘St. Paul’s Outside the Walls’, with which English kings had a particular link until the Reformation. ‘St Paul’s Outside the Walls’ is recognised as the Papal Basilica where reconciliation, ecumenism and relationships across the Christian faith are celebrated. Members of the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal and the Choir of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, will perform in both the Sistine Chapel and at ‘St Paul’s Outside the Walls’. In the Sistine Chapel they will be accompanied by the Sistine Chapel Choir.

The King will also attend a reception with Seminarians from across the Commonwealth and the British Vatican community. Meanwhile, Her Majesty will meet Catholic Sisters from the International Union of Superiors General, who are working around the world at grassroots level to promote female empowerment, through girls’ education programmes, improved access to healthcare, climate action and the prevention of sexual violence and human trafficking.

ITALY

The Bilateral Relationship

The strong bilateral relationship between the U.K. and Italy will be celebrated with a series of ceremonial engagements during Their Majesties’ state visit. In Rome, on April 9th, as well as His Majesty’s audiences with President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni, the King and Queen will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The King will be the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament. Their Majesties will also attend a state banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale, hosted by the President.

Defence

As NATO Allies, the U.K. and Italy share common defence interests, collaborating on initiatives such as the Global Combat Air Programme. This relationship will be marked during the visit by a joint flypast over Rome by the Italian Air Force aerobatic team, ‘Frecce Tricolori’ and by the Royal Air Force acrobatic team, the Red Arrows.

In Ravenna, Their Majesties will attend a reception in the Town Hall, marking the 80th anniversary of the province’s liberation from Nazi occupation by Allied Forces, which took place on 10th April 1945 (80 years to the day of Their Majesties’ visit).

Sustainability

The two countries’ commitment to sustainability will be also reflected in Their Majesties’ engagements. In Rome, the Foreign Secretary will chair a roundtable on Clean Energy Supply Chains, with business leaders and others involved in the sector, and the King will then join to hear a report of the outcomes.

Meanwhile, at a regional festival in Ravenna (10th April), Their Majesties will celebrate traditional Emilia-Romagna cuisine, Slow Food, and the region’s excellent produce. As part of this engagement, the King will meet local farmers, whose land and crops have been severely affected by devastating floods which have hit the Ravenna region in recent years.

Literature, Culture, Community and Heritage

Their Majesties’ visit will also provide an opportunity to highlight the common cultural heritage shared by Italians and the British, whether that be a love of great Literature, or a desire to preserve Ancient Roman and Byzantine architecture and heritage crafts. It will celebrate the many ways in which culture brings the people of the UK and Italy together, creating a common bond.

In Rome, Her Majesty will meet schoolchildren who have been taking part in a competition to mark the 80th anniversary of the British Council, describing or imagining a day in the life of their favourite literary characters.

In Ravenna, the King and Queen will view Dante’s tomb and Her Majesty will tour the Byron museum, uncovering the secrets of the great Romantic poet’s life in Italy, and attending a reception for local book clubs, libraries, book shops and representatives from Her Majesty’s charity “The Queen’s Reading Room”.

His Majesty will visit the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, viewing their impressive mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries and meeting artisans who are keeping this ancient art form alive.

Previous Royal visits to the Holy See and the Italian Republic:

His Majesty The King, as Prince of Wales, has visited the Holy See on five occasions: April 1985, April 2005 for the funeral of Pope John Paul II, April 2009, April 2017 and October 2019 for the canonisation of Cardinal John Henry Newman.

Her Majesty The Queen, as Duchess of Cornwall, joined His Majesty for the visits in April 2009 and April 2017.

As Prince of Wales, His Majesty was received in audience by Pope Benedict XVI during the 2009 visit and Pope Francis during his visits in 2017 and 2019. In 1982, His Majesty also met Pope John Paul II in Canterbury during the first ever visit of a pope on British soil.

The King has officially visited the Republic of Italy seventeen times, with his first visit in 1984 and most recent in October 2021 for the G20 Summit in Rome. The Queen joined His Majesty on two of these visits, in 2009 and 2017.

Queen Elizabeth II visited the Holy See and the Republic of Italy four times, each time accompanied by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. This included in October 2000 for the Great Jubilee of Year 2000.

Prince William to Visit Aberdeen to Launch New Employment Initiatives

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The Duke of Cambridge joins volunteers helping to prepare and serve lunch during a visit to homelessness charity The Passage in central London, 2019.

PRINCE WILLIAM TO VISIT ABERDEEN TO LAUNCH NEW EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVES AND VISIT FIRST HOMES DELIVERED BY HOMEWARDS

Thursday, 27th March 2025

Prince William will visit Aberdeen on Thursday 27th March as the Royal Foundation’s Homewards programme delivers homes and job opportunities in the city, alongside a new employment initiative which will help support people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness across the six Homewards locations.

During his time in the city, the Prince will undertake three visits, including seeing the first homes to be delivered by Homewards when he visits Homewards Aberdeen’s newly launched Innovative Housing Project alongside Homewards Advocate Gail Porter. His Royal Highness will celebrate the introduction of a new employer to the city, which will provide meaningful employment to those who have experienced homelessness, during an event at Trinity Hall.

The Prince will also mark the launch of a new Homewards Activator partnership which will deliver new employment pathways for people across all six Homewards locations, including a project specifically focused on young people, during an event at Aberdeen Foyer where he will be joined by Homewards advocate Steven Bartlett.

As with other parts of the UK, homelessness, and specifically young people facing homelessness, has been an increasing issue in recent years for Aberdeen. In 2023/24, there was a 3.9% increase in young people becoming homeless in the city. As a result, the Homewards Aberdeen Coalition has chosen to focus on young people as one of the initial groups where support will be targeted.

Their Majesties The King and Queen Visit Northern Ireland

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King Chares III and Queen Camilla arrive at Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland as the King continues his tour of the four home nations. September 13, 2022.
King Chares III and Queen Camilla arrive at Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland as the King continues his tour of the four home nations. September 13, 2022.

THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN VISIT NORTHERN IRELAND

Wednesday 19th March 2025

The King and Queen have arrived in Belfast, where Their Majesties will undertake a series of engagements.

At Commercial Court, in the heart of Belfast City, the King and Queen will meet groups of people, including representatives from tourism, hospitality and the arts, with a backdrop of local music. The cobbled alleyway is considered one of the city’s most historic areas, with the famous red benches and colourful umbrellas leading it to be awarded the title of Belfast’s ‘most beautiful street’ in 2022.

The King and Queen will be hosted by Willie Jack, who has worked in Belfast’s hospitality business for over 40 years. In 2023, he was awarded an MBE for his services to Arts and Tourism in Northern Ireland. With his wife, Joanne, he has fostered a sense of collaboration with neighbouring businesses, in what was once a run-down area, building it to become a thriving and vibrant community, and a welcoming destination for locals and tourists.

Their Majesties will have the opportunity to speak to business owners, including the creator of the umbrellas, local tour guides and florists before proceeding to Sea Holly Gallery. Established in 2019, Sea Holly Gallery supports and promotes local artists from across Northern Ireland.

With traditional music playing, the King and Queen will view portraits of local people and meet some of the sitters. The portraits are a collection of cross-generational paintings of local policemen, tradesmen and community members who represent Belfast’s diverse culture and workforces.

The King will visit Newforge Sports Complex and Event Hub. The complex is home to the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Athletic Association and is where many PSNI sports and social clubs are based. Both Newforge and PSNI have a long and interlinked history working to achieve the advancement of sport for all and promote community development.

The Queen will visit Atlas (Adult Training Learning and Support) Women’s Centre, a community centre that supports local women struggling with various issues, with a particular emphasis on those living with domestic abuse.

The Prince and Princess of Wales to Attend the Wales vs England Six Nations Match

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The Princess of Wales before the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final match at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France. October 15, 2023.
The Princess of Wales before the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final match at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France. October 15, 2023.

THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WILL ATTEND THE WALES VS ENGLAND SIX NATIONS MATCH

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Saturday 15th March 2025

The Prince of Wales, Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), and The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), will attend the Wales vs England Six Nations Match at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 15th March.

Before the match, the Prince and Princess will meet injured players who are supported by the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust inside the Sir Tasker Watkins Suite – a space at the stadium which is dedicated for use by the injured players and their families ahead of matches.

The Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, of which the Prince of Wales is patron, was set up in 1972 as an organisation with a range of education, social and sporting objectives. The principle aim of the charity however has always been to support those players and their families who have been severely injured whilst playing rugby football in Wales. All injured players are invited to every Wales home game and each year the WRU host a “Family Day” where the group can enjoy time together with their families.

The Princess of Wales to Attend St Patrick’s Day Parade

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The Duchess of Cambridge after attending the St Patrick's Day parade at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, where she presented shamrock to officers and guardsmen of 1st Battalion the Irish Guards. 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge after attending the St Patrick's Day parade at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, where she presented shamrock to officers and guardsmen of 1st Battalion the Irish Guards. 2019

THE PRINCESS OF WALES TO ATTEND THE IRISH GUARDS’ ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Wellington Barracks, London SW1

Monday 17th March 2025

The Princess of Wales, Colonel, Irish Guards, will visit the regiment for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wellington Barracks.

On arrival at the barracks, Her Royal Highness will award long service and good conduct medals to soldiers within the regiment. The Princess will then join the parade where she will present the traditional sprigs of shamrock to the Officers and Guardsmen who will in turn issue it along the ranks, as well as presenting it to the Irish Wolfhound regimental mascot. The parade will conclude with a royal salute and march-past where Her Royal Highness will take the salute as colonel.

Following the parade, Her Royal Highness will meet veterans of the Irish Guards and Mini Micks – junior cadets from Northern Ireland. The Princess will then join the official Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess photographs.

After this, Her Royal Highness will visit the Junior Ranks’ dining hall where the Senior Guardsman in the battalion will propose a toast to the Princess. She will then spend time meeting Guardsmen to hear about their roles and experiences within the Irish Guards. Finally, the Princess will visit the Sergeants’ Mess to meet with members and their families.

The Prince of Wales to Visit Estonia

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The Prince of Wales observes a royal Salute from the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment before presenting campaign medals for service in Afghanistan outside Sandringham House on the Royal Estate in Norfolk, 2019.
The Prince of Wales observes a royal Salute from the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment before presenting campaign medals for service in Afghanistan outside Sandringham House on the Royal Estate in Norfolk, 2019.

THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL VISIT ESTONIA

The Prince of Wales will be in Estonia on Thursday 20th March to Friday 21st March to visit the Mercian Regiment in his role as Colonel-in-Chief and learn about how they are bolstering NATO’s eastern flank as part of Operation Cabrit.

Whilst in Estonia, His Royal Highness will also carry out engagements in Tallinn to learn more about how country has responded to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and how Estonia is innovating in renewable energy and technology.

This will be the Prince’s first visit to Estonia.

The Prince of Wales to Visit the Royal Berkshire Hospital

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge plant a tree during a visit to the University of St Andrews to meet students and hear about the ways in which they, and the university, have supported one another through the COVID-19 pandemic. May 26, 2021.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge plant a tree during a visit to the University of St Andrews to meet students and hear about the ways in which they, and the university, have supported one another through the COVID-19 pandemic. May 26, 2021.

THE PRINCE OF WALES TO VISIT THE ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOSPITAL FIVE YEARS ON FROM THE START OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Reading, Berkshire

Wednesday 5th March 2025

The Prince of Wales, Patron of NHS Charities Together, will visit the Royal Berkshire Hospital to see the impact of funds provided by the charity since the coronavirus pandemic. The visit marks five years since the start of the pandemic and will highlight the work of the charity which continues to help NHS staff, patients and local communities across the country.

NHS Charities Together launched the Urgent Covid-19 Appeal in March 2020, raising over £15 million in the first five days and going on to raise over £160 million to support patients, hospital staff, and volunteers at the frontline of the crisis. Reaching every corner of the UK, funds helped nearly two thirds of NHS staff including via counselling, rest areas, and projects in the community. Over 90% of these projects are continuing to have long lasting impact, including through the Oasis Health and Wellbeing Centre and Garden at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust also went on to develop one of the UK’s first Long Covid Clinics, part funded by NHS Charities Together.

During his visit, the Prince will tour the Health and Wellbeing Centre and Garden, which provides a range of activities and services to promote staff health and well-being, including a free gym, wellbeing classes, and a green space for relaxation. His Royal Highness will meet staff who benefit from the new space and the services it provides, as well as some who were working at the hospital during the pandemic. Reviews have shown that the centre has significantly boosted staff morale, with the trust receiving very high ratings nationally for staff wellbeing.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital was significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and tragically, the first patient to die of Covid-19 in the UK died at the Royal Berkshire in March 2020. The Trust also lost two members of staff during the crisis, Dr Peter Tun and Nurse Julie Edward. Two trees are now planted in the Oasis Centre garden in their memory.

The Prince and Princess of Wales became Royal Patrons for NHS Charities Together in December 2020 and previously visited the Royal Berkshire Hospital in the same month.

The Prince of Wales to Visit Mental Health Innovations

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The Prince of Wales talking to staff during a visit to the Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub in Buckinghamshire, to highlight the importance of supporting the mental health of emergency responders during the week of World Mental Health Day. October 11, 2023.
The Prince of Wales talking to staff during a visit to the Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub in Buckinghamshire, to highlight the importance of supporting the mental health of emergency responders during the week of World Mental Health Day. October 11, 2023.

THE PRINCE OF WALES TO VISIT MENTAL HEALTH INNOVATIONS

White City, London W12

Thursday 6th March 2025

The Prince of Wales will visit Mental Health Innovations (MHI), a charity established in 2017 by the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, which uses digital innovation, data-driven analysis and the experience of clinical experts to deliver scalable, innovative services and insights to transform the mental health of the nation.

Supported by the Royal Foundation, MHI launched Shout, the UK’s free, 24/7 text messaging support service in 2019.

The Prince’s visit marks the recent merger between MHI and The Mix and comes as Shout has reached the milestone of three million conversations with those in need of support.

The King and Queen Meet London Communities

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The Prince of Wales is greeted by local school children during a visit to the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester, where he met members of the Muslim community and learned about the centre's programme of education and community initiatives, 2019.
The Prince of Wales is greeted by local school children during a visit to the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester, where he met members of the Muslim community and learned about the centre's programme of education and community initiatives, 2019.

THE KING AND QUEEN MEET LONDON COMMUNITIES

Wednesday 26th February 2025

Engagement 1:

Ahead of Ramadan, the King and Queen will meet British Muslim women at a female-led restaurant and help pack donation boxes, Darjeeling Express.

At Darjeeling Express, the King and Queen will meet a group of accomplished Muslim women who reflect the diversity of the Muslim community in the UK, ranging from professional athletes to artists and leaders in the corporate world.

Ramadan is a particularly important time for Muslims where daily life continues as normal, but spiritual focus intensifies. To observe Ramadan can mean a range of things; this gathering will be an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and creativity of Muslim women, as well as the beauty of the holy month of Ramadan.

Their Majesties will also meet two families from the Doorstep charity, which aims to assist families by providing goods and services to make their lives more comfortable as they await a permanent housing solution.

Their Majesties will have a chance to see a workshop by Sadiya Ahmed of ‘Everyday Muslim’ on the influence of Islamic art on William Morris. This workshop is an example of the work the organisation does as part of their archival project to raise awareness about Muslim heritage in history, arts and culture.

The King will then help to pack dates that will be sent for Iftaar (the fast-breaking evening meal) to hospitals during the holy month. Traditionally, dates are eaten as the first food to break the fast at sunset during Ramadan, following the example of the Prophet Mohammed.

The Queen will pack biryani in boxes with the all-female kitchen team. This will be given to Doorstep as part of Darjeeling Express’ commitment to cook for charitable causes every Ramadan.

Engagement 2:

Following the engagement at Darjeeling Express, the King will join a discussion with members of the British Syrian community at Imad’s Syrian Kitchen.

At Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, the King will join a discussion with a group of British Syrians active in their community, including filmmakers, doctors and charity workers. The group will reflect the religious diversity of Syria.

Prince William to Visit BCP to Unveil New Homewards Activator Partnership

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The Prince of Wales speaks during a visit to Mosaic Clubhouse in Lambeth, London, which supports people living with mental health conditions across Lambeth, as part of his tour of the UK to launch a project aimed at ending homelessness. June 26, 2023.
The Prince of Wales speaks during a visit to Mosaic Clubhouse in Lambeth, London, which supports people living with mental health conditions across Lambeth, as part of his tour of the UK to launch a project aimed at ending homelessness. June 26, 2023.

PRINCE WILLIAM TO VISIT BCP AS HOMEWARDS ANNOUNCES NEW HOUSING PARTNERSHIP

Friday 28th February 2025

Prince William will visit Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) on Friday 28th February to unveil a new Homewards Activator partnership which will help to deliver new homes across the six Homewards locations.

The Prince will visit an organisation offering housing with wrap-around support to those who have mental health needs and are at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the local area. This organisation will provide an example of new homes that could be delivered through the new Homewards Activator Partnership. During the visit, His Royal Highness will also meet current residents to see how the organisation is helping them develop skills to live independently in a healthy, safe, living space.

Following this, His Royal Highness will visit Bournemouth and Poole College to see how Homewards has brought together the college and other Homewards Coalition members to create new and successful employment pathways for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the local area. Homewards BCP has identified young people under the age of 25 as a key cohort that they can support locally and has prioritised clearing the path to employment and training as a key way of doing this.

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