London, 10 February 2025 – The highly successful collaboration between the Embassy of Italy and the King’s Foundation resulted in an unforgettable gala evening dedicated to Slow Food and Slow Fashion at the Royal Residence of Highgrove, in the presence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The dinner, a prelude to the State Visit of Their Majesties to Italy in April, was held under the aegis of the King’s Foundation and featured an exceptional line-up of distinguished guests.
Their Majesties welcomed Ambassador Inigo Lambertini and Ambassador Maria Grazia Lambertini to their residence in Gloucestershire, along with numerous other guests, including Italian-American actor Stanley Tucci, who inspired the evening’s menu; Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren; David and Victoria Beckham; dancer Roberto Bolle; and leading figures from the Italian fashion scene—Federico Marchetti, Donatella Versace, Brunello Cucinelli, Renzo Rosso, Angela Missoni, Lorenzo Bertelli, Remo Ruffini, and many others. Pioneers of the Slow Food movement, such as its founder Carlo Petrini, and internationally renowned chefs like Giorgio Locatelli, Carlo Cracco, Franco Pepe, Angela Hartnett, and Raymond Blanc were also in attendance.
During the event, Ambassador Lambertini remarked:
“Your Majesties, if we are here this evening, it is thanks to you. Not only for the wonderful setting that hosts us but also because it was a conversation with you that inspired the organization of this special evening.”
The reference to King Charles’s friendship with Carlo Petrini and his admiration for the Slow Food movement was a central theme, as was the appreciation for Stanley Tucci’s series “Searching for Italy,” which explores Italy’s regional culinary traditions.
The menu, created by Chef Mazzei with meticulous attention to the concept of zero-kilometre sourcing, featured dishes such as cured meats reimagined with British ingredients, Yorkshire Pecorino Cheese Puffs, Woolworth ricotta and spinach ravioli, Suffolk Red Pork porchetta, and, for dessert, zuppa inglese. Each dish combined local ingredients with a strong commitment to sustainability, with vegetables and herbs sourced directly from the gardens of the Royal Residence.
Beyond gastronomy, the evening also celebrated sustainable fashion, another pillar of Italian excellence. Like Slow Food, Slow Fashion promotes quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability—values highlighted by the presence of iconic figures from both Italian and British fashion scenes, such as Federico Marchetti, emphasizing the synergy between the two nations in promoting ethical and circular design. This synergy was perfectly expressed through the King’s Foundation’s activities, showcased in the room where the cocktail reception was held, celebrating the revival of artisanal techniques and traditions.
The event at Highgrove demonstrated how cultural diplomacy can strengthen ties between Italy and the United Kingdom, using culture, gastronomy, and fashion as bridges of connection. The collaboration between the King’s Foundation and the Embassy of Italy exemplified how sustainability can be promoted not only through concrete actions but also through symbolic gestures, such as the art of conviviality and the beauty of responsible design. Italy continues to be a global reference point for excellence, blending tradition with innovation.
For further information, please contact:stampa.amblondra@esteri.it
