Cliff Notes
- The King’s state visit to Italy is a significant display of the UK’s soft power amidst heightened global tensions, symbolised by a grand arrival, including fighter jets.
- Strengthening diplomatic relations with Italy is a priority, especially in the context of defence ties and mutual support for Ukraine, indicating a desire to reset partnerships post-Brexit.
- While public engagements may appear ceremonial, important political discussions are taking place behind closed doors, showcasing the enduring value of royal tours in diplomatic relations.
Why the King and Queen’s visit to Italy is one of the UK’s most important power plays | UK News
They weren’t going for understated as the King and Queen arrived in Rome, with two fighter jets accompanying their plane, emblazoned with its Union flag paintwork.
At a time of heightened global tensions, one the UK’s most important power plays was being deployed to Italy.
It is easy to be sniffy about what soft power really means; the UK’s ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewelyn, did his best to sum it up by briefing journalists that the King and Queen’s visit will “do something intangible but priceless”.
And with his experience as the former ambassador to France and David Cameron’s chief of staff, he should have a good idea.