King Charles and Camilla are in Italy for a state visit, meeting with politicians and the pope and delivering a historic speech to both houses of the Italian parliament. The UK media is suggesting it is an exercise in Britain’s soft powers and that the royals are being used to help reset the UK’s relationship with the rest of Europe following the fraught and turbulent times of the Brexit era.
The state visit also coincides with the pair’s 20th wedding anniversary, and several of the royal-supporting news media offer insights into the couple’s marriage – the ups and downs and how they finally got together. There is also commentary on the King’s relationship with his youngest son, who is back in Britain for a court case regarding his personal security. The pair reportedly did not meet before Charles headed to Italy.
As the King laid on a soft power masterclass, the gulf with Prince Harry could not be clearer
Explainer: This headline employs a mix of bias and subtle sensationalism. By framing the King’s actions as a “soft power masterclass,” it casts him in a highly favourable light, implying strategic brilliance and diplomacy. In contrast, the phrase “the gulf with Prince Harry could not be clearer” draws on emotive language to highlight division and distance, potentially exaggerating the disparity. The use of such framing invites readers to view the King positively while reinforcing a narrative of ongoing royal rift — a common journalistic tactic to stir interest and drive engagement.
- The Daily Telegraph features a large image of the King and Queen hosting a banquet in Italy – on what was their 20th wedding anniversary. Inside the paper, it argues that King Charles is using his soft power to charm the Italians, but the arrival of his youngest son in Britain highlights the huge gulf between the pair.
King and Queen in Italy: pope congratulates royals on anniversary
Explainer: This headline adopts a respectful and celebratory tone, subtly reinforcing the prestige of the monarchy. By highlighting the Pope’s congratulations, it lends the King and Queen added legitimacy and international approval, a common tactic to elevate their status. The phrasing “King and Queen in Italy” also evokes a sense of grandeur and diplomatic importance. While not overtly sensational, the headline focuses on positive optics, favouring a flattering portrayal over critical analysis — a typical approach in royal reporting.
- The Times pictures Charles and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meeting on the third day of the state visit. The paper reports that Charles is the first British monarch to address both houses of Italy’s parliament.
King Charles urges close ties in a historic speech to Italy’s parliament as war rages in Europe
Explainer: This headline blends gravitas with urgency to elevate the significance of the King’s actions. Describing the speech as “historic” positions it as a moment of great importance, enhancing Charles’s role on the global stage. The phrase “as war rages in Europe” adds dramatic weight, juxtaposing the King’s diplomatic message against a backdrop of conflict, which can heighten the emotional impact and perceived necessity of his call for unity. This framing leans into a classic journalistic tactic — aligning royal activity with major geopolitical events to amplify relevance and stature.
- The Independent says Camilla wore a modified version of her 2005 wedding outfit to mark the pair’s anniversary yesterday when the royal couple visited Italy’s parliament. Elsewhere, the paper reports that during his historic speech in the Italian parliament, the monarch stressed the need for close ties between Italy and the UK, calling for unity in defense of common values at a time of war in Europe.
First picture of King Charles’s secret meeting with Pope Francis amid health fears
Explainer: This headline leans heavily on sensationalism and intrigue. The phrase “first picture” taps into the reader’s curiosity, suggesting exclusivity and a hidden narrative, while “secret meeting” implies secrecy and potential controversy, heightening the sense of drama. The addition of “amid health fears” layers on personal concern and vulnerability, inviting emotional engagement. Altogether, the headline uses classic tabloid tactics — mystery, exclusivity, and fear — to draw attention and create a story that feels urgent and intimate, even if the actual event may have been routine.
- The Daily Express reports the King and Queen met with the Pope, who congratulated the royal couple on their 20th anniversary. They exchanged gifts with the pontiff.