Red Arrows and Frecce Tricolori Honor Royal Visit in Rome
On April 8, 2025, the skies above Rome transformed into a vibrant showcase of unity as the United Kingdom’s Red Arrows and Italy’s Frecce Tricolori executed a breathtaking joint flyover. This historic event was staged to celebrate King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s state visit to Italy, blending ceremonial grandeur with a powerful symbol of the deepening bond between the two nations.
The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s renowned aerobatic team, brought nine aircraft to the display, painting the sky with red, white, and blue smoke trails representing the British flag. Alongside them, the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force’s elite display team, flew seven jets—fewer than their usual ten—releasing green, white, and red smoke to mirror Italy’s national colors. Together, these iconic teams created a stunning visual tribute above the Quirinale Palace, where the royal couple was greeted by Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella.
Red Arrows and Frecce Tricolori / Photo: The Royal Family
This flyover stands out as a rare occurrence, marking only the second time a foreign aerobatic team has joined the Frecce Tricolori over Rome. The first such event took place in November 2021, when the Italian team soared alongside France’s Patrouille de France to commemorate the French-Italian Enhanced Cooperation Treaty. The Red Arrows and Frecce Tricolori, both celebrated for their precision and flair, made this second instance a testament to the strong military and diplomatic ties between the UK and Italy.
The royal visit itself began with a flourish on Monday, as King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at Rome Ciampino airport. Their Airbus A321 received a prestigious escort from two F-35A fighter jets of the Italian Air Force’s 102nd Gruppo, based at Ghedi Airbase, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Over the course of their four-day state visit, the couple will also mark their 20th wedding anniversary, adding a personal milestone to the diplomatic agenda.
As the Red Arrows and Frecce Tricolori blended their expertise in the Roman sky, their performance not only captivated onlookers but also highlighted the harmony between these two storied teams. The Red Arrows, with their sharp formations, and the Frecce Tricolori, known for their intricate choreography, together crafted a moment of aerial diplomacy that echoed the warmth of the royal welcome below.
