High-flying salute to royal couple

A JOINT flypast trailing both British and Italian colours across the cloudless sky was one of a Tricolori load of tributes to the King and Queen in Rome yesterday.

- Emily Ferguson

The Red Arrows and their Italian counterparts, the Frecce Tricolori, streamed red, white, blue and green vapour trails above the Quirinale Palace to officially welcome Charles and Camilla on their state visit.

The royal couple watched from the terrace alongside their host, Italy's president Sergio Mattarella, and his daughter Laura, who is in the role of First Lady following the death of his wife.

Earlier the anthems of both countries were played as the royals arrived in the courtyard. The King was invited to inspect a Guard of Honour formed by the Quirinale Band, Carabinieri and members of the armed forces.