Italy–United Kingdom relations

The bilateral relations between the Italian Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland "are warm and exceptionally strong." Both nations are members of the United Nations, NATO, Council of Europe, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, G7 and G20 major economies, World Trade Organization, among others.

The Italian ambassador to the United Kingdom is Inigo Lambertini since 6 October 2022, and the British ambassador to Italy is Edward Llewellyn since February 2022.

History

Diplomatic relations between Britain and Italy predate both Britain and Italy's unification, with diplomatic exchanges between the Papal States and England growing particularly heated during the investiture disputes between kings William and John and their respective archbishops of Canterbury Anselm and Langton. The latter feud ended with John's excommunication being lifted in exchange for swearing his fealty to the papacy.

Later, the Court of St. James hosted ambassadors from various states of the Italian peninsula, including those of the Kingdom of Sicily and Piedmont-Sardinia's Count Perron. The British government gave moral and diplomatic support to the "Risorgimento" (Unification of Italy) and the creation of the modern Italian state against considerable international opposition. The famed hero of unification, Giuseppe Garibaldi was widely celebrated in Britain, with a peak in 1861.

In late 19th century, the Second Mediterranean Agreement represented a mechanism for Britain, Austria-Hungary, and Italy to coordinate on Eastern Mediterranean security. Count Gołuchowski, representing Austrian interests, attempted to strengthen and modernize this framework in cooperation attempts to renew or revise the pact, while Lord Salisbury exemplified British caution, ensuring that commitments did not overextend British obligations.