King Charles III and French President Emmanuel Macron inspect an honor guard during a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, symbolizing the strong bond between the UK and France. Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Image
King Charles III and French President Emmanuel Macron have reaffirmed the historic bond between the United Kingdom and France, emphasizing their shared commitment to tackling complex global challenges. The French president’s three-day state visit to the UK, which began on Tuesday, was marked by grand ceremonial events, including a glittering banquet at Windsor Castle.
During the banquet, King Charles III praised the strength of the Anglo-French relationship, saying, “Our two countries face a multitude of more complex threats, emanating from multiple directions. As friends and as allies, we face them together.” The King highlighted the “shared history and culture between our two peoples,” delivering his toast in a mix of French and English.
The evening’s festivities featured English sparkling wine crafted by a renowned French champagne house, showcasing the remarkable connections between the two nations. The dinner menu included summer vegetables, chicken with asparagus and cream, and an iced blackcurrant parfait. Musical arrangements by Vivaldi, Debussy, Lewis Capaldi, Daft Punk, and Dua Lipa added to the splendor.
President Macron emphasized the strong ties between France and the UK, joking that French people “love monarchy – especially when it’s not at home.” He called for the recognition of a Palestinian state, stressing that a two-state solution is “the only way to build peace and stability for all in the whole region.” The two leaders are expected to discuss defense cooperation, migration, technology, and trade.
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