King Charles and Queen Camilla recently hosted a dinner at their Highgrove House estate in preparation for their upcoming April visit to Italy and the Vatican. The event was attended by a number of high-profile guests, including actor and food expert Stanley Tucci, who inspired the evening’s Italian-themed menu. The royal couple’s visit to Italy will coincide with their 20th wedding anniversary and the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year.
The April trip will mark King Charles’ first meeting with Pope Francis since ascending to the throne and becoming Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The visit also holds personal significance for the royal couple as they will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9th. Despite undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer, King Charles continues to fulfill his royal duties and engagements.
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King Charles, Pope Francis, and then-Duchess of Cornwall Camilla during a previous Vatican visit.
The dinner at Highgrove House served as a celebration of sustainable practices and featured a menu crafted by Chef Francesco Mazzei, drawing inspiration from Stanley Tucci’s culinary explorations of Italy. The meal was prepared using entirely British ingredients, showcasing Italian culinary techniques and emphasizing the principles of the Slow Food movement. Guests included Victoria and David Beckham, Helen Mirren, Donatella Versace, students and alumni from The King’s Foundation, and representatives from the Slow Food and Fashion movements.
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Stanley Tucci at the Highgrove House dinner inspired by his culinary expertise.
In addition to the specially curated meal, the event showcased the work of students and graduates from The King’s Foundation’s training programs. These programs, some of which operate at Highgrove House, focus on sustainable fashion and traditional heritage crafts, such as millinery, embroidery, furniture making, and fashion design. The evening commenced with a display of their work, highlighting the King’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices. Italian mixologist Alessandro Palazzi created the drinks for the evening, incorporating Italian flavors and herbs foraged from the Highgrove Gardens.
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Table setting at Highgrove House in preparation for the celebratory dinner.
King Charles’ commitment to supporting those affected by cancer was also evident earlier in the week when he issued a message of support on World Cancer Day. The message, shared a year after his own cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, conveyed his empathy and admiration for individuals battling cancer, as well as the medical professionals and organizations dedicated to their care.
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King Charles with David and Victoria Beckham at the Highgrove House Dinner.
Following a planned operation for an enlarged prostate in January 2024, King Charles was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment in February of that year. He resumed his public royal duties in April with a visit to a London cancer hospital accompanied by Queen Camilla.
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Queen Camilla and Helen Mirren engage in conversation during the event at Highgrove House.
