King Charles and Queen Camilla soaked up the stunning views of Rome’s iconic Colosseum this afternoon, hours after their Italian hosts rolled out the red carpet to officially mark their arrival. Charles and Camilla received a warm ceremonial welcome that included a spectacular flypast of the Red Arrows and their Italian counterparts, the Frecce Tricolour, as they met President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace on Tuesday morning.

The royal couple watched from the Terrace with him and his daughter Laura, as nine British and seven Italian jets trailed the distinctive red, white and blue colours of the UK and the red, white and green of Italy. Moments earlier they had arrived in the courtyard where the anthems of both countries were played and the King was invited to inspect a Guard of Honour in the formed by the Quirinale Band, Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri and mounted Corazzieri Guards.

Inside the Sala del Bronzino, they were joined by foreign secretary David Lammy and UK Ambassador to Rome Lord Llewellyn as the President introduced them to key officials.

Honours were later exchanged by the King and the president at the palace. The King was made a Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, and he presented Mr Mattarella, who has served as president since 2015, with the insignia for a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

"It goes back quite a long way," said Charles "It's just a token really of our appreciation, you've served for so long."

"I'm humbled, your majesty," Mr Mattarella replied.

The Queen was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, and told her host: "I'm very honoured and humbled."

The King and Queen then travelled to Altare della Patria to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before taking in the breathtaking views of the Colosseum.

School children excitedly shouted “he’s coming, that’s the King!” as they spotted the police convoy make its way into the grounds of the Achaeological Park of the Colosseum.

Loud cheers greeted them as they stepped out of the State Bentley, with the King turning to wave to the flag-waving crowd gathered at the Colosseum Piazza before greeting his hosts.

The royal couple were received by the Minister of Culture Mr Alessandro Giuli and Director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, Ms Alfonsina Russo but they quickly made a beeline for the hundreds of people gathered to see them.

As they spent 10 minutes shaking hands with the public, which included dozens of pupils from nearby schools, the bands of the Welsh Guards and the Sassari Brigade Band played recognisable tunes. This included the theme song from the film Gladiator, set during the Roman Empire and features spectacular fight scenes at the Colosseum.

Accompanied by a large entourage, the King and Queen then proceeded up the stairs to the Colosseum viewing platform, on the edge of the Temple of Venus and Rome - the largest and most splendid of Rome's temples, designed by Hadrian.

They turned to wave to the huge crowd below before posing for photographs in front of the elliptical amphitheatre that was stood in the heart of Rome for nearly 2,000 years.

Speaking moments later with a group of archaeologists, the Queen remarked: “The views are beautiful, beautiful.”

Dr Barbara Nazzaro, the Architect of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, then discussed the restoration works that they have been doing in the park, which currently centres on the underground passages on the arena floor.

Popular Italian TV presenter and historian Alberto Angela was then introduced to the King and Queen, who explained more about Rome’s history and restoration while overlooking the Roman Forum, ruins of important ancient government buildings located a stones throw away from the Colosseum.

They listened intently as Mr Angela explained how the once bustling heart of ancient Rome was largely destroyed by a major earthquake in the 9th century that cause significant damage to the buildings.

Before they were ushered towards the waiting convoy of vehicles by their security team, the King told Mr Angela that the restoration work that has been carried out was “brilliant”, while the Queen said: “It was lovely to be able to see this today.”

The Colosseum Archaeological Park is one of the most-visited sites in the world and includes the iconic Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine with the Meta Sudans and the Domus Aurea.

The couple will end their second day in Rome by attending a reception with members of the British-Italian community, with representatives from business, arts and culture, military and defence, and education and youth sectors.