In a landmark speech to the Italian Parliament on April 9, 2025, King Charles III paid tribute to the enduring bonds between the United Kingdom and Italy, highlighting a poignant chapter from World War II centered in Tuscany. The King recalled his grandfather, King George VI’s, visit to British and Allied troops near Arezzo in July and August 1944, underscoring the deep historical ties shared by the two nations.
King George VI’s wartime journey to Tuscany was a significant morale booster for the troops advancing through Italy. Traveling incognito under the alias “General Collingwood” for security reasons, he landed at the Pratoni airstrip in Foiano della Chiana. Accompanied by General Oliver Leese of the British Eighth Army, the King inspected Commonwealth forces, including New Zealand and Indian units, in Monte San Savino.
One of the notable sites during his visit was the “Scala di Giacobbe” (Jacob’s Ladder) near Palazzo del Pero. This strategically constructed mountain pass, built in just 48 hours by Indian Sikh and Gurkha soldiers, enabled Allied forces to circumvent German defenses along the Valdichiana corridor. King George VI’s presence at this site symbolized the collaborative efforts and sacrifices made during the campaign.
The King also stayed at a temporary headquarters on the hill of Sargiano, just south of Arezzo, placing him close to the front lines. From the vantage point of the Prato park in Arezzo’s historic center, he observed the fierce battles as Gurkha units engaged German forces entrenched on the Campriano hill. His visit concluded once the area was secured, leaving a lasting impression on the local populace.
King Charles III’s reference to his grandfather’s visit during his speech serves as a testament to the shared history and enduring friendship between the UK and Italy. By commemorating these events, the King emphasized the importance of remembering past alliances and the collective efforts that have shaped the present.
For those interested in exploring this historical connection further, the Imperial War Museum in London houses photographs documenting King George VI’s 1944 visit to Tuscany, providing a visual narrative of this significant wartime episode.
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