King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a gala dinner at their picturesque Highgrove House, blending fine Italian dining with a commitment to sustainability. The event celebrated Anglo-Italian relations and promoted the values of slow food and fashion, serving as a prelude to the royal couple’s upcoming visit to Italy in April.
Among the distinguished guests were David and Victoria Beckham, who live nearby in the Cotswolds; actor Stanley Tucci and his wife Felicity Blunt; actress Helen Mirren; Italian ambassador to the UK, Íñigo Lambertini; and designer Donatella Versace, who wore one of her own creations.
Victoria Beckham turned heads in a striking white gown of her own design, drawing comparisons to the green midi dress worn by Queen Letizia at King Charles III’s coronation. She later shared on Instagram: “A truly wonderful dinner at Highgrove tonight. Thank you to @kingsfdn for welcoming us. Kisses @davidbeckham.”
David Beckham echoed her sentiments, posting: “A wonderful Italian night @highgrovegarden… a special place for The King and Queen. Great to celebrate two of my favorite things, food and Italian fashion, with old friends and new. Thanks to @kingsfdn and @italianembassyinuk for having us.”
A menu rooted in tradition and sustainability
The evening’s four-course menu, crafted by renowned chef Francesco Mazzei in collaboration with Stanley Tucci, showcased Italian-inspired dishes made entirely with British ingredients. Guests enjoyed Scottish Crab Panzanella, followed by tomato pasta ravioli filled with ricotta and herbs from the King’s estate gardens. The main course featured succulent Suffolk Red Porchetta with pumpkin purée, sage, and Tuscan kale. Dessert was a classic Zuppa Inglese served with Biscotti. Complementing the meal, celebrated mixologist Alessandro Palazzi created cocktails infused with Italian flavors and herbs from Highgrove Gardens.
A focus on sustainable fashion
Beyond fine dining, the event spotlighted sustainable fashion, a cause championed by King Charles through the King’s Foundation. As an ambassador for the initiative, David Beckham was honored as a special guest. Students and alumni of the foundation showcased sustainable designs and traditional crafts, including millinery, embroidery, and furniture making, in collaboration with prestigious brands like Chanel. The exhibits underscored the importance of preserving craftsmanship and sustainability in the fashion industry.
Inspiring speeches and strengthening ties
The evening concluded with speeches highlighting the event’s cultural significance. Stanley Tucci praised the King’s Foundation for embodying the monarch’s vision of “living in harmony with nature,” describing food as a unifying and healing force. King Charles III emphasized the role of good food in bringing people together and shaping communities and nations. Ambassador Íñigo Lambertini echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the importance of UK-Italy relations.
A royal visit and milestone anniversary
The Highgrove dinner marked the beginning of preparations for King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to Italy, where they will meet Pope Francis at the Vatican in celebration of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year. This trip will be King Charles’ first audience with the Pontiff since becoming Supreme Governor of the Church of England in 2022. Their visit to Ravenna coincides with their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, 2005. Despite undergoing cancer treatment, King Charles III remains committed to his royal duties.
This elegant evening at Highgrove was more than a celebration of gastronomy and fashion—it was a testament to King Charles III’s unwavering dedication to sustainability, culture, and strengthening international ties. Through such events, the monarch continues to inspire appreciation for heritage and environmental responsibility.