King Charles III and Queen Camilla are preparing to host actor Stanley Tucci for an exclusive dinner at their Highgrove residence this Friday. The event, which will include prominent figures such as Italian ambassador Inigo Lambertini, serves as a precursor to the royal couple’s confirmed state visit to Italy.
According to Buckingham Palace, their majesties’ April itinerary will feature meetings with Pope Francis and Italian officials, with stops planned in both Rome and Ravenna. Notably, the trip aligns with the couple’s 20th wedding anniversary on 9 April.
Tucci, widely recognised for his BBC documentary series Searching for Italy, which highlights the country’s gastronomic traditions, will address guests at the gathering. The dinner is an Italian-themed menu created by chef Francesco Mazzei, featuring locally sourced ingredients and prepared following the principles of the ‘slow food’ movement. Acclaimed mixologist Alessandro Palazzi will craft bespoke beverages incorporating herbs cultivated at Highgrove.
The visit to the Vatican coincides with the Catholic Church’s 2025 jubilee year, which occurs every 25 years. The royal couple will attend the event under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Throughout his life, King Charles III has made 17 official visits to Italy. This upcoming journey will mark his first as monarch and head of the Church of England. His last meeting with Pope Francis took place in 2019 during the canonisation of Cardinal John Henry Newman.
Further details of the state visit remain undisclosed, but discussions with top Italian officials are anticipated to strengthen diplomatic ties.
