"I am here with the aim of reaffirming the deep friendship between the United Kingdom and Italy and to commit myself to strengthening it in the time that will be granted to me as king". With these words, King Charles III addressed the joint Chambers gathered at Montecitorio, in a speech that addressed the historical, cultural, and political ties between the two countries. The royal emphasized a close personal relationship with Italy, describing it as "a country very dear to my heart and that of the queen, as it is to so many Britons". He mentioned that a third of Shakespeare's plays are set in Italy and joked, "I just hope you will forgive us if we corrupt your wonderful cuisine from time to time". King Charles then emphasized the cooperation between London and Rome in assisting Ukraine and inside NATO: "Our countries have both stood by Kyiv in its hour of need. Our armed forces work together in NATO, and we are eternally thankful to Italy for its role in hosting critical bases and directing numerous international missions". The speech concluded with a statement from Dante in Italian, which drew applause: “Whatever the challenges and uncertainties we inevitably face, we can overcome them together. And when we have done so, we may say: ‘E poi uscimmo a riveder le stelle’".