King Charles and Queen Camilla are hosting an Italian-themed dinner this evening inspired by actor Stanley Tucci. The menu features crab, ravioli, and pork, complemented by English and Italian wines.
The occasion marks Charles and Camilla's 20th wedding anniversary, during which the King shared his passion for Italian food and culture, noting, "Good food brings people together and defines us as families, communities, and nations."
The dinner at their Highgrove estate celebrates "slow food," emphasizing fresh local ingredients and traditional cooking methods close to the King's heart. He expressed, "A nation's food culture is invaluable, reflecting its identity and sense of place."
The King, passionate about art, culture, and religion, anticipates his 18th official visit to Italy with enthusiasm, quipping to guests, "We eagerly await this state visit," including Stanley Tucci who inspired the menu selection.
Chef Francesco Mazzei prepared the reception and dinner menu, highlighting Italian recipes with British ingredients, paired with English sparkling wine and Italian red and white wines.
The dinner featured a variety of dishes such as Scottish crab panzanella, Westcombe ricotta and Highgrove herb ravioli, Suffolk Red porchetta, accompanied by selected wines.
Amidst the culinary collaboration between Mazzei and Tucci, King Charles humorously remarked, "I can only hope they are still talking by the end of this dinner!"
A toast in Italian, "alla eterna cultura italiana del buon cibo," translated as "to Italy's timeless food culture," was proposed by the King, toasting the ongoing bond.
This event precedes the upcoming state visit in April where engagements in Rome and Ravenna await, including meetings with Pope Francis and Italian political figures.