King Charles and Queen Camilla have released three official photographs to mark their 20th wedding anniversary.
The images were captured in Rome following the couple’s arrival for a four-day state visit.
Upon arriving in Rome on Monday, Camilla was overheard telling a member of the welcoming group she was “delighted” to be in Italy, a visit made at the request of the UK Government and celebrating UK-Italy ties.
Originally, King Charles had also planned to visit Pope Francis at the Vatican, but this was postponed after the Pope was advised to rest following his life-threatening bout of pneumonia.
The visit comes after Charles has faced his own health concerns. He was forced to postpone his engagements on March 28 following a short stay in hospital after experiencing side effects from his cancer treatment.
It coms as Meghan Markle’s new podcast Confessions Of A Female Founder, in which the Duchess of Sussex promises “girl talk” and advice on how to create “billion-dollar businesses”, is set to launch today.
The production is the latest in Meghan’s flurry of output after her much-criticised Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan and her new brand As Ever.
Its release comes as Prince Harry’s case concerning his personal security arrangements is to be heard over two days before the Court of Appeal, after the Home Office changed his level of security for UK visits in 2020.
Key Points
- King and Queen arrive in Rome for UK state visit
- Charles and Camilla's itinerary for Italy trip
- King and Queen release official wedding anniversary photographs
- Prince Harry hopes charity watchdog’s Sentebale probe will uncover ‘blatant lies’
- King continues state visits despite cancer treatment
Meghan Markle offers free gifts to As Ever customers after products sold out
08:30
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Rebecca Whittaker
Meghan Markle has offered a special deal to customers who bought products from her business after everything was already out of stock.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, debuted her highly anticipated brand, As Ever, on April 2, and all the products sold out in less than an hour.
However, some customers learned that after they’d purchased items — including raspberry jams, flower sprinkles, and wildflower honey — those products had already sold out.
Read the full story here:
King and Queen release official photographs
08:18
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Rebeca Whittaker
The King and Queen have released three official photographs to mark their 20th wedding anniversary.
The couple were photographed at the Villa Wolkonsky, the official residence of the UK's ambassador to Italy and San Marino, Edward Llewellyn.
Read the full story here:
King and Queen arrive in Rome for visit celebrating UK’s close ties to Italy
07:00
,
Holly Evans
The King and Queen’s visit to Italy will leave a “priceless” legacy strengthening the “closeness” between the UK and the EU nation, Britain’s ambassador to Italy has said.
Charles and Camilla arrived on the outskirts of Rome in a plane escorted over the Italian capital by F-35 Italian air force jets that left a deafening sound in their wake and heralded the start of the couple’s four-day trip celebrating Britain’s ties with Italy.
Edward Llewellyn, the UK’s ambassador to Italy and San Marino, said before the couple touched down at the Italian air force section of Ciampino International airport: “This visit will deliver a meaningful and broad legacy, above all their majesties will do something intangible but priceless.”
Read the full article here:
Why Kate will be watching Queen Mary of Denmark closer than most
06:00
,
Holly Evans
Prince Harry hopes charity watchdog’s Sentebale probe will uncover ‘blatant lies’
04:00
,
Holly Evans
Prince Harry says he hopes the Charity Commission will uncover the truth about what went on at a charity he founded, claiming “blatant lies” had been told amid a boardroom battle that led to his quitting.
The commission has announced it is escalating its investigations into “concerns raised” about Sentebale, a week after it emerged the Duke of Sussex had resigned as patron and a string of trustees had also stepped down.
The watchdog said on Thursday it had opened a regulatory compliance case into the charity, which he founded in 2006.
Read the full article here:
Meghan Markle admits she has much to learn in the kitchen
02:00
,
Holly Evans
Meghan Markle knows she still has more to learn about cooking.
Last month, Meghan, 43, released her lifestyle show on Netflix, With Love, Meghan, which showed her cooking and gardening with some famous friends.
After putting her cooking and hosting skills on display in the series, Meghan has acknowledged that she’s not a professional cook. She said during an interview with The New York Times published on Wednesday that she still has a lot to learn in the kitchen.
Read the full article here:
King Charles dragged into Prince Andrew spy scandal
Tuesday 8 April 2025 00:00
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Holly Evans
The Duke of York and his former adviser twice went to Windsor “without being seen” to talk to the King about an investment fund linked to an alleged Chinese spy, according to newly released tribunal documents.
Yang Tengbo, who has previously said he had “done nothing wrong or unlawful”, was excluded from the UK on national security grounds in March 2023 after officials claimed he had been in a position to generate relationships between prominent UK figures and senior Chinese officials “that could be leveraged for political interference purposes”.
Mr Yang – also known as Chris Yang – unsuccessfully challenged the decision at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) last year, with judges finding the businessman was a “close confidant” of Andrew and had “won a significant degree, one could say an unusual degree, of trust” from the duke.
Read the full article here:
How King Charles and Queen Camilla will spend their 20th wedding anniversary
Monday 7 April 2025 22:00
,
Holly Evans
The King and Queen will mark their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday by spending the evening as guests of honour at a state banquet in Rome.
The black-tie dinner, a highlight of the couple’s four-day state visit to Italy which begins on Monday, will be attended by prominent figures from Italian society.
The civil ceremony followed a romance that began when they were in their early 20s.
Read the full article here:
Prince William and Harry’s former bodyguard Graham Craker dies aged 77
Monday 7 April 2025 20:00
,
Holly Evans
Prince Harry and Prince William’s childhood bodyguard, Graham Craker, has died.
Craker’s death aged 77 was confirmed by his sons Graham and James on social media.
“He was an incredible man - our hero, our rock - and meant everything to us,” they wrote in tribute.
“Words can't describe the pride we feel in how he lived his life so selflessly, not only in his professional career but in his personal life, right up to the very end.”
Read the full article here:
Royal visit to Italy to deliver 'meaningful and broad legacy'
Monday 7 April 2025 18:31
,
Holly Evans
Edward Llewellyn, the UK’s ambassador to Italy and San Marino, said before King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down at the Italian air force section of Ciampino International airport: “This visit will deliver a meaningful and broad legacy, above all their majesties will do something intangible but priceless.
“Their visit will strengthen the closeness between our nations in a way that only they can, creating memories that will last a generation.
“Their love for Italy and all things Italian, the things Italians cherish – culture, food, heritage – resonate very, very deeply.
“So a lot to look forward to in the next few days. The state visit that brings together, quite simply, the best of Italy and the best of Britain, the closest of friends, allies and partners.”
In pictures: Royals arrive at Giovan Battista Pastine international airport
Monday 7 April 2025 17:11
,
Holly Evans
King and Queen arrive in Italy
Monday 7 April 2025 16:34
,
Holly Evans
King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Rome to embark on their four-day visit.
After walking down the steps from the royal aircraft, they were met by representatives of Giorgia Meloni’s government, as well as foreign secretary David Lammy.
King continues state visits despite cancer treatment
Monday 7 April 2025 14:20
,
Athena Stavrou
Eleven days ago, Charles was seen leaving Clarence House in London, accompanied by the Queen, after spending the night there.
This followed what was described as a "minor bump" in his cancer treatment journey.
He experienced temporary side effects after a treatment session at the London Clinic on Thursday morning, which necessitated a short period of observation in the hospital.
The King then had to cancel his planned engagements the following day on medical advice.
Diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024, Charles returned to public-facing duties in April, while continuing his weekly treatment.
However, it was confirmed that his planned trip to Italy with the Queen would still be going ahead.
Meghan to launch new podcast this week
Monday 7 April 2025 13:42
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Athena Stavrou
First episode of Duchess of Sussex’s new podcast Confessions of a Female Founder is set to be released on Tuesday.
Produced by Lemonada Media, the upcoming eight-part series will explore her experiences as an entrepreneur, as she hosts fellow female business owners.
Meghan gave her followers a sneak peek at the podcast on Instagram earlier this month, teasing some of the guests they can expect to hear from in the first season.
“I’ve been having candid conversations with amazing women who have turned dreams into realities, and scaled small ideas into massively successful businesses,” she wrote.
King Charles dragged into Prince Andrew spy scandal - ICYMI
Monday 7 April 2025 13:01
,
Athena Stavrou
The Duke of York and his former adviser twice went to Windsor “without being seen” to talk to the King about an investment fund linked to an alleged Chinese spy, according to newly released tribunal documents.
Yang Tengbo, who has previously said he had “done nothing wrong or unlawful”, was excluded from the UK on national security grounds in March 2023.
Mr Yang – also known as Chris Yang – unsuccessfully challenged the decision at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) last year, with judges finding the businessman was a “close confidant” of Andrew and had “won a significant degree, one could say an unusual degree, of trust” from the duke.
Documents in the legal challenge, including the witness statement of Andrew’s former senior adviser Dominic Hampshire, have now been made public on Friday following a request from several media organisations.
Read the full story:
Royals to use 'soft power' diplomacy to strengthen UK global ties
Monday 7 April 2025 12:12
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Athena Stavrou
The royal family have played a key role in Britain’s diplomatic efforts in recent months.
Donald Trump’s return to office highlighted the importance of the monarchs in strengthening international ties.
The King and Prince of Wales are “front and centre” of Sir Keir Starmer’s charm offensive on the US president, given Mr Trump’s long-documented affection for the royals.
Charles and Camilla will now now use the “soft power” diplomacy of the monarch to strengthen Britain’s relationship with its European ally, Italy, on their state visit this week.
The curious unravelling of Virginia Giuffre and why the plot thickens every day
Monday 7 April 2025 11:37
,
Athena Stavrou
The woman who accused Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse made headlines this week, saying she was dying after being involved in a car crash.
As the veracity of her claims is questioned, Angela Mollard reports from Sydney on what we really know about the woman once dubbed ‘the Duchess of Ocean Reef’.
Read the full premium piece here:
Prince Harry to launch appeal High Court ruling
Monday 7 April 2025 11:03
,
Athena Stavrou
The Duke of Sussex is set to launch his appeal against a High Court ruling on Tuesday.
Harry took legal action against the Home Office over the February 2020 decision that he should receive a different degree of taxpayer-funded protection when in the country.
In a judgement in February last year, a judge ruled against the duke and concluded the decision was not unfair.
But Harry is set to appeal the ruling on Tuesday and Wednesday in London.
Pope makes rare appearance after royal visit postponed
Monday 7 April 2025 09:49
,
Athena Stavrou
Originally, the King and Queen were scheduled to visit the Pope in the Holy See on their international trip.
But the separate state visit to the Vatican was cancelled as Pope Frances continues his recovery after a life-threatening bout of double pneumonia.
At the weekend the Pope made a surprise appearance in St Peter’s Square, in the Vatican. He appeared with an oxygen tube under his nose and was using a wheelchair, weeks after he left hospital after a 5-week stay.
With a number of Vatican events removed from the itinerary in Rome, the remaining engagements in the Italian capital have been spread over two days, and extra elements added to some engagements.
Charles and Camilla's itinerary
Monday 7 April 2025 09:25
,
Athena Stavrou
Monday: The couple will arrive in Rome at around 4pm but will not attend any official engagements.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Charles and Camilla will engage in a busy schedule in Rome.
Charles will become the first British monarch to address both houses of Italy’s parliament – the chamber of deputies and the senate of the republic.
The King will also hold audiences with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and he and his wife will attend a black-tie state banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale, hosted by the president on the evening of their 20th wedding anniversary.
The UK and Italy’s defence co-operation will be marked by a joint flypast over Rome by the Italian air force’s aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, and the RAF’s Red Arrows.
Thursday: In Ravenna, near Bologna, Charles and Camilla will mark the 80th anniversary of the province’s liberation from Nazi occupation by allied forces, on April 10 1945, during a town hall reception.
They will celebrate literary culture by visiting Dante’s tomb and the Queen will make a solo trip to the Byron museum.
What will the King and Queen be doing today?
Monday 7 April 2025 09:00
,
Athena Stavrou
Charles and Camilla are due to begin their state visit to Italy on Monday - but will not attend any engagements.
The King and Queen are expected to arrive in Rome at around 4pm, and settle in before their busy itinerary begins on Tuesday.
King and Queen to begin state visit today
Monday 7 April 2025 08:20
,
Athena Stavrou
The King and Queen will being their four-day state visit to Italy today.
Charles and Camilla will visit Rome and the city of Ravenna on their trip, as they celebrate the UK’s ties to its European ally.
How King Charles and Queen Camilla will spend their 20th wedding anniversary
Monday 7 April 2025 07:00
,
Alexander Butler
The King and Queen will mark their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday by spending the evening as guests of honour at a state banquet in Rome.
The black-tie dinner, a highlight of the couple’s four-day state visit to Italy which begins on Monday, will be attended by prominent figures from Italian society.
The day will mark two decades since Charles and Camilla wed at Windsor Guildhall on April 9, 2005.
Read the full story here:
King continues state visits despite cancer treatment
Monday 7 April 2025 06:00
,
Alexander Butler
Last month, Charles was seen leaving Clarence House in London, accompanied by the Queen, after spending the night there.
This followed what was described as a "minor bump" in his cancer treatment journey.
He experienced temporary side effects after a treatment session at the London Clinic on Thursday morning, which necessitated a short period of observation in the hospital.
The King then had to cancel a planned visit to Birmingham to focus on his recovery.
Buckingham Palace said the cancellation was a “precautionary measure” taken on medical advice.
“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
Diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024, Charles returned to public-facing duties in April, while continuing his weekly treatment.
How did Charles and Camilla meet?
Monday 7 April 2025 05:00
,
Alexander Butler
Charles first met fun, confident Camilla on the Windsor Great Park polo field in 1970 when he had just left Cambridge University, a year before he joined the Royal Navy.
No marriage proposal came, despite the closeness between the pair and when the relationship cooled after Charles dedicated himself to his Navy career, Camilla wed cavalry officer Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973 and Charles later married Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981.
After Charles and Camilla both divorced – and Diana died in l997 – Camilla’s eventual emergence as Charles’ long-term partner was part of a carefully planned PR campaign masterminded by the heir to the throne’s spin doctor Mark Bolland.
Their first public appearance together was outside the Ritz hotel in London in 1999, dubbed Operation Ritz, where the mass of waiting photographers had been tipped off.
Watch: King Charles in hysterics as he practices CPR on dummy
Monday 7 April 2025 04:00
,
Alexander Butler
Watch: King Charles plays carrot recorder alongside vegetable orchestra
Monday 7 April 2025 02:00
,
Alexander Butler
King continues state visits despite cancer treatment
Monday 7 April 2025 01:00
,
Alexander Butler
Last month, Charles was seen leaving Clarence House in London, accompanied by the Queen, after spending the night there.
This followed what was described as a "minor bump" in his cancer treatment journey.
He experienced temporary side effects after a treatment session at the London Clinic on Thursday morning, which necessitated a short period of observation in the hospital.
The King then had to cancel a planned visit to Birmingham to focus on his recovery.
Buckingham Palace said the cancellation was a “precautionary measure” taken on medical advice.
“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
Diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024, Charles returned to public-facing duties in April, while continuing his weekly treatment.
Is King Charles the ultimate poster boy for Starmer’s Labour?
Sunday 6 April 2025 23:00
,
Alexander Butler
King Charles cancelling his royal engagements because of the side-effects of his cancer treatment prompted an outpouring of public support. It also had a more curious effect – it reminded me how, historically, Labour prime ministers tend to get on better than expected with the monarch, The Independent’s chief political commentator John Rentoul writes.
The establishment’s fear of socialism is usually allayed by politicians eager to prove themselves responsible. Ramsay MacDonald made a good impression on George V when he formed the first minority Labour government in 1924. “He wishes to do the right thing,” the King wrote in his diary. “Today, 23 years ago, dear Grandmama [Queen Victoria] died. I wonder what she would have thought of a Labour government!”
MacDonald was determined to show that Labour could be trusted, and was accused by some in his party of being too keen to ingratiate himself with the aristocracy, the royal family at its apex. He was accused of much worse when the King persuaded him to form a national government in 1931, after the stock market crash, because that required MacDonald to abandon the Labour Party and throw in his lot with the Conservatives.
Read the full comment piece here:
'My son is home and dry with the woman he loves': Queen Elizabeth II on King Charles's marriage to Camilla
Sunday 6 April 2025 22:00
,
Alexander Butler
At their wedding reception, held the same day as the Grand National, Queen Elizabeth II said about their romance: “They have overcome Becher’s Brook and The Chair and all kinds of other terrible obstacles.
“They have come through and I’m very proud and wish them well. My son is home and dry with the woman he loves.”
How did Charles and Camilla meet?
Sunday 6 April 2025 21:00
,
Alexander Butler
Charles first met fun, confident Camilla on the Windsor Great Park polo field in 1970 when he had just left Cambridge University, a year before he joined the Royal Navy.
No marriage proposal came, despite the closeness between the pair and when the relationship cooled after Charles dedicated himself to his Navy career, Camilla wed cavalry officer Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973 and Charles later married Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981.
After Charles and Camilla both divorced – and Diana died in l997 – Camilla’s eventual emergence as Charles’ long-term partner was part of a carefully planned PR campaign masterminded by the heir to the throne’s spin doctor Mark Bolland.
Their first public appearance together was outside the Ritz hotel in London in 1999, dubbed Operation Ritz, where the mass of waiting photographers had been tipped off.
How King Charles and Queen Camilla will spend their 20th wedding anniversary
Sunday 6 April 2025 20:00
,
Alexander Butler
The King and Queen will mark their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday by spending the evening as guests of honour at a state banquet in Rome.
The black-tie dinner, a highlight of the couple’s four-day state visit to Italy which begins on Monday, will be attended by prominent figures from Italian society.
The day will mark two decades since Charles and Camilla wed at Windsor Guildhall on April 9, 2005.
Read the full story here:
King Charles and Camilla to begin Italy tour after hospital visit
Friday 4 April 2025 15:36
,
Athena Stavrou
The King and Queen are set to begin their three-day trip to Italy on Monday after his hospital stay last week.
The historic visit will see Charles become the first British sovereign to address both houses of the Italian parliament and he is also set to hold audiences with Italy’s president Sergio Mattarella and prime pinister Giorgia Meloni.
The monarch was also due to visit Pope Francis at the Vatican, but this was postponed because the Pope was advised to have “extended period of rest and recuperation” after surviving a five-week, life-threatening bout of pneumonia.
Charles has faced his own health concerns in recent weeks. He was forced to postpone his engagements last Friday following a short stay in hospital after experiencing side effects from his cancer treatment.
