King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a star-studded Italian-themed dinner on Friday at their Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, bringing together renowned British and Italian personalities ahead of their upcoming state visit to Italy and the Vatican.
The dinner, attended by celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham, Dame Helen Mirren, and Donatella Versace, served as a prelude to the royal couple’s official visit in early April, during which they will meet Pope Francis. The timing of the trip is particularly poignant as it coincides with Charles and Camilla’s 20th wedding anniversary.
A culinary tribute to Italy
Guests were treated to a carefully curated menu featuring a fusion of British ingredients with classic Italian recipes, prepared by Calabrian chef Francesco Mazzei. Dishes included Scottish crab panzanella, Westcombe ricotta and Highgrove fine herbs ravioli, and Suffolk Red porchetta, complemented by a selection of English and Italian wines. The evening’s cocktails, crafted by renowned mixologist Alessandro Palazzi, incorporated fresh herbs from Highgrove’s gardens.
In his speech, King Charles expressed his deep appreciation for Italian culture, particularly its cuisine, which he described as an essential part of national identity.
“Good food brings people together, and what we choose to eat helps to define us – as families, communities, and nations,” the King remarked. He went on to praise the “slow food” movement, which prioritises fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
The King humorously acknowledged the creative collaboration between chef Mazzei and actor Stanley Tucci, who has been a prominent advocate for Italian cuisine. “I can only hope they are still talking to each other at the end of it all!” he quipped.
A celebration of anglo-Italian ties
The exclusive guest list also included former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful and acclaimed chefs Raymond Blanc and Angela Hartnett, all of whom have championed Italian gastronomy and style in the UK.
Dame Helen Mirren, who owns a home in Puglia and spends half the year there, has often spoken of her love for Italy and is currently learning the language. David Beckham, too, has strong ties to the country, having played for AC Milan during two loan spells in 2009 and 2010. While his time in Italy was ultimately marred by an Achilles injury that ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup, his connection to Italian football remains a key chapter in his sporting career.
The King ended the evening with a toast in Italian: “Alla eterna cultura italiana del buon cibo,” meaning “To Italy’s timeless food culture.”
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An exciting royal visit ahead
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Thursday that King Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit will take place in early April, featuring engagements in Rome and Ravenna. Their itinerary includes meetings with Pope Francis and high-ranking Italian political figures.
With the royal couple’s longstanding admiration for Italy and its heritage, this visit is expected to highlight and strengthen the UK’s historical and cultural ties with the country. If Friday’s dinner was any indication, their time in Italy will be filled with an appreciation for fine food, warm hospitality, and deep-rooted traditions.
