King Charles and Queen Camilla share personal message ahead of 20th wedding anniversary
Charles and Camilla have just arrived in Italy for a state visit
King Charles and Queen Camilla are marking their 20th wedding anniversary in style – and with a touch of romance – in Italy.
As the couple celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary today, April 9, they recently shared some elegant new portraits and a behind-the-scenes video that has fans swooning over their undeniable chemistry.
Captured by royal photographer Chris Jackson, the images show King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, looking relaxed and radiant in the stunning gardens of Villa Wolkonsky in Rome, the official residence of the UK’s ambassador to Italy.
The portraits were taken just hours after their arrival for a four-day State Visit to Italy, on Tuesday.
New photos of King Charles and Queen Camilla to mark 20th wedding anniversary
The images were posted to the royal family’s official Instagram account alongside a heartfelt message.
They said: “As we begin our first visit to Italy as king and queen, we are so looking forward to celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary in such a special place – and with such wonderful people! A presto, Roma e Ravenna! – Charles R & Camilla R.”
Queen Camilla wore a chic white-and-beige Anna Valentine coat dress. She paired the dress with her signature Lily of the Valley brooch, a nod to her wedding bouquet.
Meanwhile, King Charles, 76, looked sharp in a navy pinstripe suit.
They look like there’s a bit of flirting going on here!
The real treat for royal watchers came in the form of a short behind-the-scenes video, shared shortly after the portraits.
The video shows Charles and Camilla standing close, exchanging playful smiles and whispered words as camera flashes go off.
Fans were quick to notice the lighthearted mood between the couple.
One commented: “They look like there’s a bit of flirting going on here!”
Another gushed: “It’s good to see that after almost 20 years of marriage, these two are still so in love. They waited long enough to be together, they deserve to be happy.”
“After all these years and still so much in love. Long live King Charles III and Queen Camilla,” a third fan agreed.
“They are so in love. After 20 years and all they have been through,” another wrote.
King Charles’ whispered message to Queen Camilla
Not only did the couple look very happy together in the snaps, a lip-reading expert has pointed out a romantic exchange the pair shared, right in front of the camera.
According to expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman, as reported by Hello, the King uttered to Camilla: “Look at me.”
The comment made the queen giggle and she shot her husband a smitten look during the photoshoot.
It seems they are just as loved-up as ever!
When did Charles marry Camilla and are they legally married?
King Charles and Queen Camilla married on April 9, 2005, in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall.
Charles and Camilla are legally married. At the time of their wedding, there was much discussion over the pair marrying in church.
A civil ceremony was chosen when the Archbishop of Canterbury refused permission to the couple to marry in church. This was due to opposition to the marriage within the Anglican church because of Camilla’s divorce from her first husband Andrew Parker Bowles.
Charles and Camilla travel to Rome in Italy for state visit
The visit to Rome holds deep significance for the royal couple. In April 2005, Charles postponed their wedding to attend Pope John Paul II’s funeral.
Now, two decades later, they return to the Eternal City as king and queen.
While a planned meeting with Pope Francis has been postponed due to the Pontiff’s recent illness, the rest of the couple’s itinerary is packed.
Highlights include a black-tie State Dinner hosted by President Sergio Mattarella, a visit to the Colosseum, and commemorations in Ravenna marking 80 years since the city’s liberation in WWII.
British Ambassador to Italy, Lord Llewellyn, praised the significance of the royal visit.
“Their Majesties will do something intangible but priceless,” he said. “Their visit will strengthen the closeness between our nations in a way that only they can, creating memories that will last a generation.”
He added: “Their love for Italy and all things Italian – culture, food, heritage – resonates very, very deeply.”
From their long and complicated history to their enduring bond today, Charles and Camilla’s love story has captivated royal fans for decades.
Despite the challenges and public scrutiny they faced, their 20-year marriage now stands as a testament to resilience, loyalty, and genuine affection.
And from the looks of their new portraits and that candid behind-the-scenes moment – that love is still very much alive.
What do you think of the video? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page and let us know.
