The King has called on France and Britain to “lead the way” in the face of “complex threats” as he spoke at a star-studded state banquet.
In the speech marking president Emmanuel Macron’s state visit, Charles spoke of the deepening co-operation between the UK and France that will protect against “profound challenges” such as terrorism, organised crime and “irregular migration” across the English Channel.
He highlighted a summit between prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and the French leader when commentators expect the issue of the small boats crisis in the Channel to be top of the agenda.
The monarch’s comments were made at a dinner at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, where he, the Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by guests including Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John.
The first day of Mr Macron and his wife Brigitte’s three-day state visit to the UK has demonstrated the entente cordiale still remains strong between the UK and France.
Addressing MPs and peers in parliament earlier in the day, Mr Macron pledged the “best cooperation” between France and the UK on the illegal migrants Channel crisis.
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Key Points
- King speaks of co-operation between UK and France in face of 'profound challenges'
- Mick Jagger and Elton John top star-studded guest list for state banquet
- Macron says UK and France will address major challenges such as migration and security
- William and Kate greet the French president and First Lady as they land
- Explained: What can we expect from this week’s state visit by Emmanuel Macron?
King speaks of deepening co-operation between UK and France in face of 'profound challenges'
Tuesday 8 July 2025 23:00
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Tara Cobham
The King has spoken of the deepening co-operation between the UK and France that will protect against “profound challenges” such as terrorism, organised crime and “irregular migration” across the English Channel.
In a speech marking President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK, Charles highlighted a summit between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the French leader when commentators expect the issue of small boats to be top of the agenda.
The King also spoke of the growing environmental threat where the “very future of our planet hangs in the balance” and the UK and France have a “critical role to play”.
Camilla wears Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire suite
Tuesday 8 July 2025 22:30
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Tara Cobham
The Queen was dressed in an ivory silk and crepe embroidered evening gown by Fiona Clare, and a sapphire and diamond tiara, necklace, earrings and bracelet, all part of Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire suite.
The Queen was also wearing the Legion d’Honneur French sash, Garter Star and the King’s family order.
Mick Jagger and Elton John top star-studded guest list for state banquet
Tuesday 8 July 2025 22:06
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Tara Cobham
Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John topped the star-studded guest list for the French state banquet hosted by the King at Windsor Castle.
The Rolling Stones' front man was joined by his fiancee Melanie Hamrick, while Crocodile Rock singer Sir Elton was accompanied by his husband David Furnish for the opulent royal celebration.
Sir Elton, who is known for hosting his own annual white-tie and tiara charity ball, was among the 160 guests who gathered at the King's royal white-tie affair in honour of French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.
Both musicians have homes in France and Sir Elton also has a home in nearby Old Windsor.
Sir Elton famously sang Candle In The Wind, rewritten as Goodbye England's Rose, at the funeral of the King's first wife Diana, Princess of Wales, and he has a close bond with the Duke of Sussex - Charles's youngest son with whom the King has a troubled relationship.
Celebrity guests seen making their way into vast St George’s Hall for state banquet
Tuesday 8 July 2025 22:00
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Tara Cobham
Celebrity guests seen making their way into the vast St George’s Hall for the state banquet at Windsor Castle included Rolling Stones’ frontman Sir Mick Jagger, dressed in smart white tie and morning suit, and his fiancee Melanie Hamrick, who wore a glittering silver gown.
Also among the 160 guests were Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish.
Others at the banquet were former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and First Dates’ Fred Sirieix.
Earps was seen shaking hands and laughing with prime minister Sir Keir Starmer before the start of the dinner as they stood and chatted.
Kate and William pictured smiling together outside in gardens of Windsor
Tuesday 8 July 2025 21:23
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Tara Cobham
The Princess of Wales is wearing a dark red silk creponne gathered evening gown, with caped back detailing, designed by Sarah Burton for French fashion house Givenchy, and the Lover's Knot tiara to the French state banquet.
Kate was carrying a lily of the valley embroidered evening clutch and wearing the Rosette of Grand Officier l'ordre nationale du merite, the Royal Family Orders of Charles III and Elizabeth II, the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and GCVO sash and star.
William was dressed in white tie, with the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George, miniature medals and a series of chest orders.
The royal couple were pictured smiling together outside in the gardens of Windsor before the banquet in an image posted on Kensington Palace's social media.
Ready for what promises to be a wonderful State Banquet this evening in Windsor pic.twitter.com/l07Jg4olOd
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 8, 2025
Highlights from day one of Macron's state visit
Tuesday 8 July 2025 21:00
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Tara Cobham
Watch: Macron makes Brexit joke in address to Parliament during UK state visit
Tuesday 8 July 2025 20:45
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Tara Cobham
Royal family speaks of 'L’Entente Cordiale in the Kitchens!'
Tuesday 8 July 2025 20:30
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Tara Cobham
The royal family has spoken of a “L’Entente Cordiale in the Kitchens!”.
In a post on X, alongside a photograph of French chef Raymond Blanc preparing food for the state banquet, they said: “Chef @Raymond_Blanc OBE, an ambassador for the @KingsFdn, was invited to join the chefs at Windsor Castle to create the First Course and Dessert for this evening’s State Banquet menu.”
L’Entente Cordiale in the Kitchens!
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 8, 2025
Chef @Raymond_Blanc OBE, an ambassador for the @KingsFdn, was invited to join the chefs at Windsor Castle to create the First Course and Dessert for this evening’s State Banquet menu. pic.twitter.com/gEw9oDYVBR
State banquet hosted in impressive St George's Hall which is largest room in castle
Tuesday 8 July 2025 20:15
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Tara Cobham
The impressive St George's Hall, where the dinner is being served, is the largest room in the castle at 55.5 metres long (180ft) and nine metres wide (29.5ft), and the 50 metre (164ft) table stretches its full length.
The castle's staff began constructing the mahogany table last Wednesday, and it now set with the elaborate silver gilt Grand Service.
The hall's gothic style ceiling with impressive oak beam roof is studded with the coats of arms of every single Knight of the Garter since the order was founded in 1348.
Its walls and ceiling were decimated in the Windsor Castle fire of 1992 and had to be painstakingly rebuilt.
Delicate seasonal flowers including roses, sweet peas and herbs in a colour scheme of pale pinks, purples and white decorated the table, handpicked from the gardens at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, along with flowers and lavender from The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park, all arranged in silver-gilt centrepieces taken from the Grand Service.
Following the state banquet, the King and Queen and the Macrons and guests will move to the Music Room for a performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
French chef Raymond Blanc involved in creating menu in 'spirit of Entente Cordial'
Tuesday 8 July 2025 20:00
The King has turned to his friend and King's Foundation ambassador, French chef Raymond Blanc, to put together the state banquet menu in culinary collaboration with the Royal Household, designing the first course and the dessert.
Buckingham Palace described the collaboration as being "in the spirit of the Entente Cordial".
Blanc was in the kitchens at Windsor on Tuesday evening making sure the dishes were served to perfection for President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte and the 160 guests including Charles, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The menu, which was written in French as is the custom for state banquets, begins with a selection of tender summer vegetables from the Gardens of Le Manoir with Sage, Raw Tomato and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing.
The next course is Supreme of Rhug Estate Chicken with Norfolk Asparagus and Tarragon Cream, followed by Iced Blackcurrant Parfait on a Blackcurrant-soaked Sponge with Elderflower Jelly for dessert.
French champagne and special cocktail called L'entente to be served at state banquet
Tuesday 8 July 2025 19:43
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Tara Cobham
French champagne and a special gin-infused cocktail called L'entente will be served at the state banquet in honour of president of France.
In a tradition started by the King, the cocktail has been created specially for the occasion. It combines British gin with lemon curd and French pastis, garnished with dried French cornflowers and English roses.
The wine list was Domaine Evremond, Classic Cuvee, Edition I, NV; Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Etienne Sauzet, 2022; Chateau Haut-Brion; 1er Grand Cru Classe Pessac-Leognan, 1996; Louis Roederer, Carte Blanche, NV. The English sparkling wine will be used for the toast.
After dinner, guests will be served Taylor's 1977 Vintage Port and a 1948 Grande Champagne Cognac by Frapin & Co, selected to reflect the years of the President's and the King's births in 1977 and 1948.
Macron presses for recognition of Palestine as ‘only path to peace’
Tuesday 8 July 2025 19:30
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Tara Cobham
Emmanuel Macron pressed for recognition of Palestinian statehood in an address to the UK's Parliament, saying it was the "only path to peace".
The French president said a ceasefire was a matter of "absolute urgency" and that a two-state solution would bring security to the region.
He said: "We are aware that a political way out is crucial, and I believe in the future of the two-state solution as a basis for regional security architecture which will enable Israel to live in peace and security alongside its neighbours.
"But I want to be clear, calling today for a ceasefire in Gaza without any condition, is just telling to the rest of the world that for us as Europeans, there is no double standard, and as we are attached to human lives, as we are attached to territorial integrity, we want the ceasefire, no discussion.
"And today, working together in order to recognise the state of Palestine and to initiate this political momentum is the only path to peace."
King set to emphasise 'multitude of complex threats' facing Britain and France
Tuesday 8 July 2025 19:15
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Tara Cobham
King Charles is expected to emphasise "the multitude of complex threats" that both Britain and France face in a speech at a state dinner at Windsor Castle this evening.
Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron posted on social media that "there is so much we can build together".
Mr Macron enjoys a strong personal relationship with the monarch.
Tuesday 8 July 2025 19:00
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Tara Cobham
President of France Emmanuel Macron has met with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch on day one of his state visit to the UK.
Mr Macron was also seen speaking with shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel during the meeting at Lancaster House, central London, on Tuesday.
Starmer and Macron lay wreaths by Churchill statue and face hecklers
Tuesday 8 July 2025 18:45
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Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron laid wreaths by the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Westminster following the French President's address to Parliament.
The pair travelled by car from the Palace of Westminster to the statue in Parliament Square, where they laid two wreaths before a British Army bugler played The Last Post.
They were heckled by a small pro-Gaza protest calling for an end to arms sales to Israel and the recognition of Palestine. Members of the public shushed the protesters following The Last Post.
The band of the Welsh Guards then played the national anthems of France and Britain before Sir Keir and Mr Macron departed to lay more wreaths by a statue of Charles De Gaulle.
Mr Macron waved to supporters in the crowd before leaving.
Kate to attend first state banquet in two years
Tuesday 8 July 2025 18:30
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Tara Cobham
The Princess of Wales is to attend her first state banquet in nearly two years.
Kate will join the King, the Queen, the Prince of Wales and some 160 guests at Windsor Castle for the white tie affair, the glittering highlight of the French state visit, on Tuesday evening.
President of France Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are being feted with the opulent display of royal hospitality in the historic St George's Hall.
Kate, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and confirmed she was free from the disease at the start of this year, last made an appearance at a grand royal dinner 20 months ago in November 2023, in honour of the South Korean president.
Last week, she opened up about her "rollercoaster" cancer recovery, its life-changing impact, and putting on a "brave face" during a visit to Colchester Hospital.
Kensington Palace confirmed the princess would be present after she carried out royal duties to mark the start of the state visit earlier in the day, accompanying the Macrons to Windsor with William, taking part in the carriage ride, the ceremonial welcome, the royal luncheon and Royal Collection exhibition.
President lays wreath
Tuesday 8 July 2025 18:16
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Jane Dalton
French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte laid a wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey.
Analysis: Migration and Donald Trump set to add frisson to discussions
Tuesday 8 July 2025 18:06
,
Jane Dalton
Watch: Macron jokes Bayeaux Tapestry loan took longer to deliver than Brexit
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:49
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Jane Dalton
We must reduce reliance on China and US, Macron warns
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:44
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Jane Dalton
Britain and France must reduce risks posed by relying too much on the United States and China for trade, Mr Macron said.
"We will have .... to de-risk our two countries for the excessive dependencies on both the US and China," he said.
UK and France will save Europe by example, French leader says
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:42
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Jane Dalton
Mr Macron said a UK-France summit at Downing Street this week will mark a "new stage" in scaling up co-operation between the two countries.
He said: "Our two countries, the only European nuclear weapon states, the leading armed forces of the continent, together accounting for 40% of European military budgets, both fully shoulder the responsibility when it comes to European security.
"And we are faced with new threats, with aggressive nuclear powers, with sometimes hesitating alliances, and the return of major conflict on our continent. This is why, in two days, our summit is so important, and the announcement we prepared so historical.”
He said there was an expectation that the UK and France, "faced with revisionist neighbours" had a "special responsibility for the security of the continent".
He said it was time to "make sure that not only our two countries will save themselves by their own exertions, but also that we will save Europe by our example and our solidarity".
We must protect international order, Macron says
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:38
Britain and France must work together to protect the international order, Mr Macron said in his address to Parliament.
"We have to work together in order to defend an efficient multilateralism and to protect the international order," Macron told MPs and peers.
Watch: Macron says France and UK ‘must fix illegal migration burden’
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:35
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Jane Dalton
Standing ovation for president
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:20
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Jane Dalton
Mr Macron receives a prolonged standing ovation from MPs and lords, after finishing his speech with “long live the United Kingdom, long live France”.
Macron calls for opportunities for young for virtual exchanges
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:17
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Jane Dalton
Mr Macron called for future generations to have more chances to work and study in each other’s countries, in an oblique reference to Brexit.
He said: “Although there are 300,000 French people living in the United Kingdom and 150,000 British people living in France, there has been a decrease in movement in recent years when it comes to school, university, with virtual exchanges.
“And today, there is a risk that our societies are growing apart, that our young people do not know each other as well, and may end up strangers at a time when international current events remind us, on a daily basis of our common future.
“Let's fix it. Let's work together in order to facilitate the exchange of students, researchers, intellectuals, artists. This is so important.
“Let's allow our children to have the same opportunities as the one we had the had.”
Analysis: Macron promises ‘closest cooperation’ on migration - but something is missing
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:09
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Jane Dalton
President Emmanuel Macron is listing the political priorities of this trip: economy, defence, Ukraine, Middle East and, crucially, migration, writes David Maddox.
On migration he promised the “closest cooperation ever” to end the small boats.
However, there was something missing.
Mr Macron did not mention the “one in, one out” agreement Sir Keir Starmer is so keen to pen to paper on. The problem is that without it, both countries will struggle to end the irregular migration crisis.
Macron calls for cooperation with other nations to curb illegal migration
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:07
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Jane Dalton
On illegal migration, the French president said the UK and France must work with the countries migrants come from and travel through.
“A third of the people entering illegally into the Schengen Area attempt to cross the Channel,” he told MPs and peers.
A lasting and effective solution would be found only by continuing to work with “the countries of departure and transit of global migration groups”, he said.
“Our objective, very clearly, is to have the best cooperation between our two countries in order to fix today what is a burden for our two countries.”
Democracy attacked daily, says Macron
Tuesday 8 July 2025 17:01
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Jane Dalton
Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the sacrifices of British troops during the First and Second World Wars but said the post-war rules-based order was under threat.
Speaking in Parliament's Royal Gallery, he said: "We shall never forget the support of the asylum your forefathers gave to the Free French forces in the fight against the barbarism of the Nazis."
He said Sir Winston Churchill's vision of "a world order based on law, justice and respect for territorial integrity" was "today being attacked on a daily basis as we witness direct attacks on our democracies, the return of war on our continent, the resurgence of imperial impulses and the flouting of international rules by destabilising powers".
Macron calls for state of Palestine to be recognised
Tuesday 8 July 2025 16:57
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Jane Dalton
Recognising the state of Palestine was the only route to peace in the Israel-Hamas war, Mr Macron told MPs and lords.
“I believe in the future of the two-state solution as a basis for original security architecture, which will enable Israel to live in peace and security alongside its neighbours,” he said.
“For us as Europeans, there is no double standard, and as we are attached to human lives, as we are attached to territorial integrity, we want the ceasefire, no discussion and today, working together in order to recognise the state of Palestine and to initiate this political momentum is the only path to peace.”
We will never abandon Ukraine, says Macron
Tuesday 8 July 2025 16:54
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Jane Dalton
Mr Macron drew the loudest applause so far when he vowed: “This coalition was just a signal that Europeans will never abandon Ukraine, never.”
Recalling how France and the UK stood together against wars, he said: “Since the first day, and even before the first day, we were part of the closest ally of Ukraine, training the army being here the first day to protect President Zelensky, his government, and allowing the forces just to resist, as you did decades ago with my country and together, we worked very hard during the past few years in order to Stand with Ukrainian people. Just helping them to resist.
“We were right, and we are right.”
Analysis: Macron’s warmth to “dear Keir” on display
Tuesday 8 July 2025 16:52
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Jane Dalton
It has been a difficult time in recent weeks for prime minister Sir Keir Starmer but as French President Emmanuel Macron addresses the joint Houses of Parliament he knows he has a friend in Paris, writes David Maddox.
It was noticeable that the French president referred to him as “dear Keir” and thank him for being the first head of government to join the French commemorations of armistice day in November last year.
This is very reflective of the powerful relationships that Starmer has built with allies as he strives to repair post Brexit relations.
Macron thanks Starmer
Tuesday 8 July 2025 16:50
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Jane Dalton
Mr Macron thanked Sir Keir Starmer for being the first prime minister to be the first British head of government to spend Armistice Day in Paris in 80 years.
Sir Keir, seated in the front row, nodded to acknowledge Mr Macron’s thanks, amid applause.
Applause for Macron
Tuesday 8 July 2025 16:39
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Jane Dalton
MPs and peers clapped loudly as Mr Macron arrived to address them.
Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker of the House of Commons, spoke of the “deep partnership” between France and the UK.
King invites guests to drink Louis XIII cognac
Tuesday 8 July 2025 16:30
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Jane Dalton
After lunch in the State Dining Room, the King led the Macrons through a set of gilded double doors into the Green Drawing Room to see a display of items from the Royal Collection related to France.
“These are just some items from the Royal Collection,” the King remarked as he guided Mrs Macron closer to one of the display tables.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also joined the viewing to see artefacts which included a gold snuff box which belonged to Marie Antoinette.
On show was a Louis XIII Cognac in a Baccarat Cristal decanter, as served to King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth during the July 1938 State Visit, and later to Queen Elizabeth II in April 1957, which proved to be of interest to the Macrons, Charles and Queen Camilla.
The King suggested to the president that they have a tipple of the historic drink later on.
Caroline de Guitaut, surveyor of the King’s works of art, said afterwards: “The cognac was a talking point. There was suggestion they should have a glass. I think this came from the King.”
Lords and MPs gather to hear Macron in Parliament
Tuesday 8 July 2025 16:12
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Jane Dalton
MPs and peers have begun to gather in Parliament's Royal Gallery for an address by French president Emmanuel Macron.
A platform with four chairs and a podium was erected in the southern end of the grand chamber, which features large murals of both the Battle of Trafalgar and the Battle of Waterloo, two great 19th-century military defeats for the French at the hands of the British and their allies.
As they filed into the Royal Gallery, passing peers told members of press apocryphal stories that a previous French president requested the murals were covered during a past state visit.
Some peers attributed this to Charles de Gaulle, others to Jacques Chirac.
MPs sat on the right of the chamber facing the platform, while peers sat on the left.
Bayeux Tapestry to be loaned to England for first time
Tuesday 8 July 2025 16:05
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Jane Dalton
Pomp, pageantry and politesse greet French president
Tuesday 8 July 2025 15:35
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Jane Dalton
Macrons view royal collection
Tuesday 8 July 2025 15:05
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Jane Dalton
The King and Queen showed Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte items in the Royal Collection exhibition in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
King to tell Macron: No fortress can shield us from threats
Tuesday 8 July 2025 14:35
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Jane Dalton
The King will stress the partnership between France and the UK in the face of a "multitude of complex threats" at a state banquet in honour of French president Emmanuel Macron tonight.
"As friends and as allies, we face them together," he will declare.
At a glittering banquet in Windsor Castle, the monarch will deliver a speech highlighting how "these challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time".
But he will tell Mr Macron that Britain and France can help lead the way in confronting threats relating to defence, technology and climate change, saying: "Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world."
Brigitte Macron: The French president's older wife
Tuesday 8 July 2025 14:05
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Jane Dalton
In pictures: The Macrons' first state visit
Tuesday 8 July 2025 13:36
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Jane Dalton
UK-France relationship as strong as ever, PM says
Tuesday 8 July 2025 13:21
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Jane Dalton
Britain's relationship with France is as strong as it’s ever been, the prime minister's official spokesperson has said, adding that he expected to make "good progress" during Emmanuel Macron's time in the UK this week.
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to use this week's summit to try to get a 'one-in-one-out' deal on migration over the line, amid reports the agreement was close to collapse.
Asked whether there had been any progress on such an agreement, the spokesperson said: "Our joint work with the French is as strong as its ever been.
“You’ve seen their operational response along the northern coast intensifying in recent weeks.
“We continually talk and remain in constant contact on how our joint action can go further in ending the misery these gangs are inflicting."
Watch | Macron meets King Charles and Queen Camilla during state visit to Britain
Tuesday 8 July 2025 13:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
King and Macron share warm moment amid pomp-filled Windsor welcome
Tuesday 8 July 2025 12:39
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Jabed Ahmed
The carriage procession swept into Windsor Castle’s quadrangle where an array of military units were in position waiting to take part in the ceremonial welcome.
Central was the guard of honour formed by two of the British Army’s oldest regiments: Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards with the state colours of the regiments.
President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte were joined by the King and Queen on a dais, with the Prince and Princess of Wales stood nearby.
As the president and King stood waiting for their wives to join them, they shared a few words and Mr Macron warmly touched the King’s back.
The pomp and pageantry featured the Military Knights of Windsor by the castle’s sovereign’s entrance, a detachment of the Household Cavalry nearby and outside the equerries’ entrance was the King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard.
King experiences burst blood vessel in eye
Tuesday 8 July 2025 12:37
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Jabed Ahmed
The King has suffered a burst blood vessel in his right eye.
The incident, which occurred overnight, is said to be unrelated to any of Charles’ existing health conditions.
Burst blood vessels in the eye, known medically as subconjunctival haemorrhages, are usually harmless and often resolve o