King Charles will urge unity between the UK and France in the face of “complex global threats” during a state banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron, as part of the highly anticipated UK-France state visit. The event marks the first state visit by a French president since 2008 and the first by a European Union leader since Brexit.
President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, will be welcomed by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales as they begin their three-day visit. The highlight of the trip will be Tuesday’s grand state banquet at Windsor Castle, where King Charles will emphasize the shared history and values between the two nations.
King Charles to Address Global Challenges
During his speech, the King will warn of growing risks in defence, technology, and climate change, stressing that the UK and France face “threats from multiple directions” that transcend borders.
“For centuries, our citizens have admired, amused, and imitated each other,” King Charles will say. He will call for joint action against common threats, emphasizing that neither nation can stand alone.
Diplomatic Talks to Focus on Defence and Migration
Key topics expected during the visit include defence cooperation, economic growth, border security, and migration issues—particularly the ongoing small boat crossings in the English Channel.
Former French Ambassador to the UK, Sylvie Bermann, acknowledged the difficulty of curbing illegal migration but said France was “making progress.” Addressing UK concerns about funding French border efforts, Bermann noted, “The UK is paying because we are doing the job for the UK. We can’t stop all crossings, but we are doing our best.”
The visit is seen as a vital “soft power” opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, defence, and diplomacy, especially amid uncertainty regarding US foreign policy and support for Ukraine.
Summit at Downing Street to Follow Royal Events
A UK-France summit hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Thursday will also focus on migration and security cooperation. Starmer and Macron are expected to discuss Ukraine with other allied leaders via phone calls.
The visit begins with a full ceremonial welcome, including a military parade and carriage procession through Windsor, celebrating the enduring entente cordiale. Prince William and Princess Catherine will greet the Macrons upon their arrival at RAF Northolt, followed by a formal royal reception in Windsor town centre.
Symbolic Visits and Technological Showcases
During the visit, President Macron will see the horse he gifted to Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee and will visit the late Queen’s tomb at Windsor Castle.
Macron’s trip is seen as a major step in resetting UK-EU relations post-Brexit, publicly reinforcing the strong alliance between London and Paris.
Macron will also address MPs and peers at the Houses of Parliament, while advances in artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology will be showcased during his visit to Imperial College London.
King Charles and Queen Camilla previously visited France in 2023, where the King received a standing ovation for his speech at the French Senate, addressing climate change and Russia’s war on Ukraine.
