King Charles III showed off his
language skills, giving parts of his speech in Italian as he
addressed lawmakers from both chamber of the Italian parliament
in the Lower House on Wednesday.
He said he was "honoured" by Italian President Sergio
Mattarella's "kind invitation to make a State visit to Italy" as
he became the first British monarch to address the parliament.
"I hope I am not ruining the language of Dante so much that I am
no longer invited to Italy," Charles quipped.
"It is, above all, a great honour to have been invited to speak
to all of you, the first time for a British sovereign before
this fundamental democratic institution.
"Italy is a country very dear to my heart and to that of the
Queen, as it is to many British people".
While speaking in Italian he said it was important for him to
have returned to Italy, having made many visits as the prince on
Wales, on the 20th anniversary of his wedding with Queen
Camilla, which the royal couple are celebrating on Wednesday.
(see related stories).
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