Windsor: Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla rolled out the red carpet for the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte, in Windsor on Tuesday at the start of the French state visit to the UK.
According to Ghana News Agency, Charles and Camilla warmly greeted the French leader and the first lady on a specially constructed Royal Dais near Windsor and Eton Riverside train station, with the castle serving as a majestic backdrop. Macron charmed Camilla by taking her hand and leaning forward to air kiss it, having earlier greeted the Princess of Wales at RAF Northolt with the same gesture.
Nearly 400 military personnel from the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy lined the High Street along the ceremonial route. A 41-gun salute sounded in nearby Home Park in Macron's honor to mark his arrival. Military bands played both British and French music for the waiting crowds, while a Captain's Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment formed a Guard of Honour.
The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the royal guests in Berkshire after meeting them at RAF Northolt in west London and accompanying them on a 14-mile car journey. Kate performed her royal duties after recently discussing her cancer recovery and its impact.
Hundreds of people lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the royals and their guests on their carriage ride to Windsor Castle. Macron and the King chatted enthusiastically as the Household Cavalry led the procession, and the open-top carriages arrived. Charles led Macron into their landau, sharing a light moment as they took their seats.
This state visit marks the first by an EU head of state to the UK since Brexit and the first held at Windsor instead of Buckingham Palace in over a decade, due to refurbishments at the London residence. During a state banquet at St George's Hall, the King will emphasize the vital partnership between France and the UK in addressing 'complex threats,' asserting that 'as friends and as allies, we face them together.'
Macron will address parliamentarians in the Palace of Westminster's Royal Gallery and will join a UK-France Summit at Downing Street on Thursday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated a 'reset' in UK-Europe relations post-Brexit. Discussions on defense, growth, security, migration, and French tactics on tackling small boats will occur, with both leaders expected to consult other allied nations regarding Ukraine peace efforts.
Downing Street emphasized the importance of the UK's relationship with France in managing boat crossings, following reports of French police actions off the coast.