King Charles and Queen Camilla cheered by children as they marvel at famous Roman landmark

The Queen of Rome’s historic Colosseum as they took in a breathtaking view of the ancient structure. 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 Archaeological Park of the Colosseum.

Loud cheers greeted them as they stepped out of the State Bentley, 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, 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. The band also belted out the iconic theme song from the film Gladiator, set during the Roman Empire and features spectacular fight scenes at the Colosseum.

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.

“Still today, it looks impressive,” the King and Queen were told, as they both nodded in agreement and marvelled at the archaeological site below. 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 caused significant damage to the buildings.

The royal couple, who celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary tomorrow, turned to wave to the huge crowd below before posing for photographs in front of the elliptical amphitheatre that had 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.”

Imogen Brown, 12 and Nancy Douglas, 12, from St George’s British International School said they were “really excited” to see the King and Queen. “We only found who we would be meeting this morning,” Nancy said. “They told us yesterday that we were meeting someone special and this morning on the bus our teachers told us it was the King and Queen.” Imogen added: “I was really shocked that he [the King] wanted to see us and go to the Colosseum.”

Accompanied by a large entourage that included Foreign Secretary , 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.

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.

The pair then met representatives fom Rome-based community organisations including MO.D.A.V.I., an association founded in Rome in 1996 to address the problem of drug addiction; Peter Pan Odv, an Italian non-profit organization that provides accommodation and a range of free services to families that come to Rome from across Italy and from abroad to access cancer treatment for children and Differenza Donna, an Italian N.G.O.s supporting women who are victims of domestic violence and of human trafficking.

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 and includes the iconic Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine with the Meta Sudans and the Domus Aurea.

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