What languages does King Charles speak after showing off his French, German and Italian skills?
King Charles can speak several languages - and has shown off his skills more than onceKing Charles is a man of many talents – or shall we say languages – and has proven which ones he can speak more than once. The monarch’s recent throne speech in Canada left tongues waging. But his parliament speech during his historic trip in Italy also left fans impressed when they heard King Charles dusting off his skills.
He followed in the footsteps of his mother when he made a speech from the throne in Canada yesterday (Tuesday, May 27). The king and queen embarked on a two-day trip to the Commonwealth country this week, which coincided with the opening of parliament.
It comes after Charles and Queen Camilla undertook a tour of Italy, visiting Rome and Ravenna during their state visit in April. They arrived on Charles’ private plane which has had a £10m refurbishment. It was King Charles’ speech to both houses of Italy’s parliament on April 9 where he used his language skills to speak Italian, that had fans talking.
What languages does King Charles speak?
His Majesty is said to speak four languages, but nobody knows the proficiency – these are English, Welsh, French and German. However, after King Charles’ speech in parliament, it’s clear he does also know some Italian. There are also rumours he has some knowledge of Scottish Gaelic.
Charles likely studied French while at school. His mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, was said to be fluent in the language as well. During a speech in Canada on Canada Day in 2017, he spoke French, and again, fluently, to French President Emmanuel Macron in 2020.
As the royal family conduct state visits around the world, it’s no surprise the monarchy picks up the local lingo.
During his time at the University College of Wales in Aberystwyth, Charles studied Welsh history and language for one academic term. He was seen speaking the language first in 1969, when he officially became the Prince of Wales. Later, in 2020, he spoke it again when he sent a video message to celebrate the opening of a hospital in the country. Two years later, he dusted off his skills again when he addressed the welsh parliament.
When it comes to speaking German, King Charles likely studied the language through his family – which has ties to Germany – and schooling as well. He has showed off his skills more than once. He gave a speech at an embassy event in Berlin in 2009, and addressed the city again at a state banquet in April 2023. Throughout his address, alongside Queen Camilla, he said they had both been “deeply touched” by the welcome they received by the German people. This was before praising the ‘very special’ nation.
Charles’ father Prince Philip spoke German fluently, and had ancestors from the country, as well as Greece and Denmark. King Charles’ grandfather was the grandson of King Christian IX of Denmark, and his paternal grandmother was a Hessian Princess.
There are also reports he knows a little bit of Greek, speaking it on various visits to Greece.
In 1991, he said he learned Gaelic to read his children’s book, The Old Man of Lochnagar, for Scottish television.
King Charles’ speaking French
King Charles revealed his rarely-heard French accent during his 26-minute speech in Canada this week. He spoke of his ‘greatest admiration’ for the country as he delivered his historic address from the throne at the Canadian Senate in Ottawa.
He spoke both in English and French to formally open the 45th session of Parliament.
King Charles became the second monarch – after his mother the late Queen Elizabeth II – to attend the state opening and set out the new government’s legislative agenda.
To begin, he spoke of his pride to be there with his wife Camilla: “It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope.”
‘Straight to my heart’
He added: “As I have said before, ‘Every time I come to Canada… a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart’.
“I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.”
“Today, Canada faces another critical moment,” King Charles continued. “Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect.
“Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War.
“A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.”
King Charles mentions Donald Trump in his speech
The monarch went further to refer to the relationship with the US after Donald Trump became president for a second term.
He added: “The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.
“In parallel, the government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognising that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects.
“Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas. In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead. This will be demonstrated in June, when Canada convenes the G7 Summit.”
King Charles’ speech to parliament in Italy
King Charles gave a speech to both houses of Italy’s parliament on April 9 during his state visit.
During the address to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic, he became the first British monarch to address both houses of Italy’s parliament.
It came after a private meeting with the country’s Prime Minister Giogia Meloni earlier in the day. The couple also enjoyed watching a performance of Shakespeare’s Othello.
Delivering part of his speech in Italian, he said he had come “to reaffirm the deep friendship between the United Kingdom and Italy”.
Adding democracies in the UK and Italy need to stand together during a period of significant global uncertainty, as per Euronews.
“Italy is, as I hope you know, a country that is dear to my heart,” His Majesty said.
What languages do other royal family members speak?
Queen Camilla is known to be proficient in French. She learned it during her studies in Switzerland and again later at the British Institute of Paris.
Prince William follows in his father’s footsteps by knowing many languages, including English, French, German, Welsh, Gaelic, Spanish and has knowledge in Swahili – which he reportedly taught himself while at the University of St Andrews.
Then in March 2025, he recorded a social media video to mark St David’s Day and spoke in Welsh. Delivering the entire message in Welsh, he reportedly learned it via the language-learning app Duolingo, and not through formal lessons.
He said in the clip: “Hello. Today, on St David’s Day, we come together to celebrate Wales – its history, its culture, and its incredible people.
“From its breath-taking landscapes to its language, Wales continues to inspire. Today, we will celebrate everything that is magical about Wales.
“To the people of Wales and everybody around the world, Happy St David’s Day.”
Read more: ‘Deflated’ Prince Harry escorted out of court by bodyguards after woman’s outburst
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Kate Middleton’s confession
But when it comes to the Princess of Wales, she admits it’s not her forte.
During a visit in Leciester in 2018, while speaking with an Italian fan, she confessed her lack of knowledge. She quipped: “I have to practice my languages, they are so bad. My language is so bad, I have to make sure my children are better than me.”
Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte have reportedly already began learning other languages. Their royal nanny, Maria Tereas Turrion Borrallo, has been working with the family since 2014. She reportedly has been teaching the kids to speak Spanish throughout her time with them. Their school, Lambrook, also offers classes in French, Greek, Italian and Latin. But it’s not clear if they were enrolled in these.
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