In his letter of 1 April 1879 the Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi welcomed Queen Victoria at the start of her first visit to Italy. The letter reads (in translation): 'To the official welcome extended to the august Sovereign of England, the people of Italy feel impelled to add their own welcome, to congratulate her, and to offer her a sign of heartfelt gratitude for all that the noble English nation, which she so admirably governs, has done for the unification of our country.'

The Royal Archives © 2005 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II