London
CNN
–
King Charles III highlights the important ties between Britain and France in the face of “many complicated threats” as he welcomes President Emmanuel Macron for his first state visit by European leaders since Brexit.
The French leader’s three-day visit to the UK begins on Tuesday, with Charles and Queen Camilla hosting Macron and his wife Bridget at Windsor Castle, and a glittering banquet at Royal Residence in the evening.
On toast on Tuesday evening, the King is expected to praise the strength of Anglo-France relations, saying, according to the British PA Media News Agency, “both of our countries face complex threats emanating from multiple directions.”
“As friends and as allies, we face together,” he says.
Charles also reflects on “the shared history and culture between our two people” and expresses “a sense of adoration for France’s extraordinary attributes and achievements.”
Macron was greeted by a Prince and Princess of Wales plane when he arrived at Rafno Salt, west of London, and traveled together to Windsor, where he received a full ceremonial reception by the king and his wife.
After descending the flight stairs, the president warmly greeted Prince William, lending him before him to kiss Kate’s hand.
Watch Macron meet King Charles III of Windsor As state visit begins
Since 2008, the French president unveiled a red carpet for his first visit to Britain, and the glamour and pageantry that Britain is known for will be fully exhibited. The king pulls out all stops for Macron’s visit, with horse-drawn carriages going through the city of Windsor to the historic castle.
King Charles welcomed Macron of Diaz in Windsor, chatted with the president and kissed the first lady’s hand. Charles then led him to an open-top carriage waiting for the royal family. It was a monarch and Macron on board in the 1902 state Landau.
Upon arriving at the castle’s rectangle, the French president met the honorary guards of the Nijmegen company renadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards, along with the colours of the regiment’s provincial.
Meanwhile, the regimental bands performed the French and British national anthems. The senior officials then entered historic residence for lunch in the state dining room, where other members of the royal family joined.
Macron described the state visit as “a critical moment for both of our countries” in a social media post before arriving in the UK.
“The UK is a strategic partner, an ally and a friend. Our bond has been forged by history over the years and strengthened by trust,” he said in X.
“Together we will address the key challenges of the era of security, defense, nuclear, spatial, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration and culture. All of these aim to help us act together and deepen our collaboration in a concrete, effective and lasting way.”
According to Elicie Palace, Macron’s visit aims to “show the depth of relations between the two countries and the people” after Charles and Camilla visited France in September 2023.
On Tuesday, Macron is having a busy afternoon, addressing both chambers of the Royal Gallery in Westminster after he travels to London to lace up wreaths at the graves of an unknown warrior at Westminster Abbey.
Over the next few days, French leaders will hold several meetings with British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer. The pair attempt to heal the wounds after years of Brexit fuel hostility.
Their consultations are expected to focus on supporting defense and security cooperation, and addressing illegal transitions across the channel. On Thursday, the pair will be taking part in the British French Summit on Downing Street.
Support for Ukraine will also be a priority for two leaders who are trying to build momentum around the “coalition of will,” a European peacekeeping force created in March. They will also be visiting military bases in northwest London and dialing a meeting of informal national groups working to strengthen support in Ukraine.
Both leaders face political challenges at home amid an increase in fractured landscapes and have suffered a decline in popularity in recent polls. They would be hoping to provide a fleeting boost that is much needed for a visit.
While key deals on Ukraine and the curb of the intersection of migrant ships seems unlikely, the more humble announcement shows a further reset of relations between the two countries.
