Italian
For the first time, a foreign king spoke before the joint sessions of the Italian Parliament. The State visit of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia celebrates the deep ties between Italy and Spain.
ROME. The State visit of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to Italy represents much more than a ceremonial event: it is a powerful symbol of the deep and fraternal ties that bind our two nations. For three days, Rome and Naples have turned into the stage for a mutual celebration of shared history, common values, and aspirations for the future.
The most significant moment, destined to leave a mark in the collective memory, was undoubtedly King Felipe VI’s speech in front of the joint Chambers of the Italian Parliament. It is the first time that a foreign sovereign has addressed this illustrious assembly, and his words – filled with respect, admiration, and friendship – resonated as a tribute to Italy’s democratic history and the crucial role our country plays in Europe.
During the visit, the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, welcomed Their Majesties to Villa Doria Pamphilj, highlighting the importance of bilateral dialogue between Italy and Spain. The meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm the shared willingness to collaborate on key issues such as economic challenges, migration policy, and strengthening the European Union.
The king managed to weave a speech that struck a chord, citing central figures such as Alcide De Gasperi and Mario Draghi, and recognizing in Sergio Mattarella a point of reference not only for Italy, but for the entire international community. His reflections on immigration, the values of European solidarity, and global challenges have shown a shared vision between Italy and Spain, united not only by a common geography, but also by a responsibility towards the Mediterranean and its peoples.
No less important, however, were the gestures and moments of human closeness that have marked this visit. The exchange of honors, such as the Carlos III Collar bestowed upon Mattarella, or the lunch at Villa Rosebery in Naples, are signs of a deep understanding that goes beyond institutional boundaries.
In a time marked by crises and international tensions, events like this remind us of the invaluable value of dialogue, shared history, and diplomacy as tools to build bridges. The first visit of a foreign king in front of the Italian Chambers is not just a page of history, but an invitation to write together a better future.
