I had an amazing week!
I had both the privilege and pleasure to support the return of the Lord Dominic Johnson CBE to the Republic of San Marino on the momentous occasion of his elevation to Grand Officer of the Equestrian Order of Saint Agatha.
As Consul of the Republic of San Marino in the United Kingdom, I have had the honour of witnessing first-hand Lord Johnson’s steadfast dedication to advancing bilateral relations and fostering meaningful cooperation between our nations.
On 8 April 2025, in a dignified and ceremonial setting presided over by H.E. Dr Luca Beccari, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Grand Officer insignia was officially conferred upon Lord Johnson. In his remarks, he expressed heartfelt admiration for San Marino’s heritage, values, and international outlook—a sentiment that was warmly received by all present. The ceremony was followed by a private audience with the Captains Regent, Their Excellencies Mrs Denise Bronzetti and Mr Italo Righi, at the historic Palazzo Pubblico.
To mark the occasion, I had the pleasure of hosting a celebratory dinner, reflecting not only on Lord Johnson’s personal achievements but also on the broader significance of recognition from one of the world’s oldest republics.
His recent engagements also include pivotal roles in shaping UK financial policy and fostering transnational cooperation.
Lord Johnson’s elevation serves as an inspiration for all those who believe in diplomacy, mutual respect, and the building of bridges across cultures and economies.
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Just two days later, on 10 April 2025, I had the honour of accepting an invitation from the British Embassy in Rome to attend the UK–Emilia-Romagna Festival, hosted in the evocative setting of Piazza del Popolo in Ravenna. This remarkable celebration was graced by the presence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and marked the culmination of their state visit to Italy and the Holy See—a visit underscoring the enduring bonds between our nations.
The festival highlighted the rich culinary and artisanal traditions of the Emilia-Romagna region, famed for its contributions to Italy’s gastronomic excellence. Local farmers and artisans showcased regional delicacies aligned with the Slow Food movement, reinforcing values of sustainability and heritage preservation. It was delightful to witness Queen Camilla take part in pasta-making workshops, while King Charles sampled traditional chutneys and engaged personally with local producers who had shown remarkable resilience in the aftermath of recent floods.
Equally poignant was the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Ravenna’s liberation during the Second World War. Their Majesties paid tribute to this solemn moment in history, meeting with veterans and laying symbolic markers of remembrance—a gesture that powerfully underscored the shared sacrifices of our peoples in the pursuit of peace and freedom.
Cultural appreciation was further deepened by Their Majesties’ visit to Dante’s tomb and the Basilica of San Vitale, where King Charles took part in a mosaic art initiative symbolising his coronation and the continuity of artistic ties between the UK and Italy.
Attending this festival reaffirmed for me the profound impact that cultural diplomacy can have in fostering goodwill and mutual respect. Events like these do more than celebrate our shared past—they build a common vision for a resilient and collaborative future. I am deeply grateful to the British Embassy for this invitation, which allowed me to contribute to an occasion emblematic of enduring Anglo-Italian friendship and the values we mutually uphold.
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Together, these two distinguished occasions—the honouring of Lord Johnson in San Marino and the celebration of Anglo-Italian cultural ties in Ravenna—reflect the strength of relationships built on diplomacy, mutual admiration, and shared values.
As Consul for San Marino in the UK, I remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote dialogue, honour excellence and strengthen the bonds between our great nations.