THAT'S ROYAL AMORE

The King and Queen mark their 20th wedding anniversary in the Eternal City, enjoying Rome’s finest sights - and some irresistible local gelato - during a glittering state visit to Italy

- EMILY NASH

Sharing a tender look and with their arms around each other as they posed for photographs in the verdant grounds of Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador's residence in Rome, the King and Queen marked 20 years of happy marriage.

They may have been on duty, carrying out a state visit on behalf of the UK Government, but the royal couple took every opportunity they could to celebrate their love story during their time in the Eternal City.

From walking arm in arm down the steps of the Altare della Patria to taking in the spectacular views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, and even surprising locals by stepping out for a gelato, their enduring affection for one another was clear to see.

TWO DECADES OF TOGETHERNESS

“Twenty years — who could believe it was 20 years?” Her Majesty said to British journalists covering the trip, including HELLO!. “What is the secret? I suppose it’s just friendship, really; laughing at the same things, getting on with life.

“Doing this,” she added, gesturing to the school where she was meeting young children learning about Paddington Bear, “takes up most of the time.

“We are always going in different directions, like ships that pass in the night. We whizz past each other. In fact, we have got a bit of a catch-up this afternoon.”

She and the King had spent the morning of 9 April - their special day - largely apart, carrying out separate engagements in the Italian capital before reuniting at the country’s Senate.