Emmanuel Macron has said his visit to the UK was “an important moment for our two nations” as he met the King and Queen at Windsor Palace.
The French president promised “effective” action on issues including migration as he began his three day state visit hosted by The King.
Mr Macron said: “The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend. Our bond is longstanding, forged by history and strengthened by trust.
“Together, we will address the major challenges of our time: security, defence, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture.
“These are all areas in which we seek to act together and deepen our co-operation in a concrete, effective and lasting way.”
Charles and the Queen welcomed the French leader and his wife Brigitte to Windsor Castle.
At a glittering banquet in the historic Berkshire landmark in the evening, the monarch will deliver a speech, highlighting how “these challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time”.
Key Points
- Macron says UK and France will address major challenges such as migration and security
- King experiences burst blood vessel in eye
- 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 to highlight vital bond with France over threats that ‘know no borders’
King and Macron share warm moment amid pomp-filled Windsor welcome
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
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 on their own without treatment.
Charles has experienced a difficult couple of years for his health, particularly after his cancer diagnosis.
Less than a year after his coronation, the King was diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer, which was found while he was undergoing treatment for a separate issue relating to an enlarged prostate.
Since the news broke, the King has been undergoing treatment for over a year while he has gradually built up a return to public duties.
King, Queen and the Macrons ride together through Windsor
12:30
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Jabed Ahmed
King and Queen warmly welcome Macrons
12:25
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Jabed Ahmed
The King and Queen warmly welcomed the Macrons on the dais at Windsor, with the French president kissing Camilla’s hand.
As they stood chatting, Emmanuel Macron placed his hand on the King’s back, and gave it a few affectionate rubs.
Brigitte Macron greeted the Queen with “la bise” – the customary French greeting of a double cheek air kiss.
The royal party and their guests stood still for the French national anthem.
Mr Macron and the King later chatted enthusiastically as Household Cavalry made their way down the road and the open-top carriages arrived.
Charles led Mr Macron into the landau and chuckled as they chatted while taking their seats.
King and Queen await the Macrons
12:13
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Jabed Ahmed
Overnight the King has experienced a burst blood vessel in his right eye which is said to be unrelated to any other health conditions.
The royal couple chatted to guests on the dais in Windsor as the military band trumpeted out uplifting tunes ahead of the Macrons’ arrival.
The King and Queen arrived by car at Dachet Road in Windsor after travelling from the castle ready to meet Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron.
Cheers erupted from the crowd as the state limousine made its way slowly down to the dais to the sound of the national anthem.
The Queen is wearing a bright emerald green chiffon dress by Anna Valentine and a hat by Philip Treacy.
Camilla is also wearing an emerald and diamond brooch that belonged to the late Queen.
King and Macron to ride together through Windsor in historic carriage procession
12:03
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Jabed Ahmed
The King and Emmanuel Macron will travel together through Windsor in the 1902 State Landau, followed by the Queen and Brigitte Macron in the Semi-State Landau, Buckingham Palace announced.
The third carriage, the Ascot Landau, will carry the Prince and Princess of Wales who will accompany France’s armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu and French culture minister Rachida Dati.
The final two Ascot Landau carriages will ferry French officials including Helene Duchene, the French ambassador to the UK, and General Fabien Mandon, chief of the military staff.
The processional route, lined through the town by the armed forces, takes in Datchet Road, Thames Street High Street, Park Street, Cambridge Gate, George IV Gateway to the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.
11:51
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Jabed Ahmed
The pomp and pageantry of Macron's state visit
11:42
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Jabed Ahmed
The King and Quuen will formally greet their guests on a Royal Dais constructed on Datchet Road in Windsor town centre, with the castle in the backdrop as gun salutes sound in nearby Home Park.
Charles, Camilla, the Waleses and Mr and Mrs Macron will then take a carriage procession through Windsor and along part of the Long Walk which leads to the castle, just as former French president Nicolas Sarkozy did in 2008.
A ceremonial welcome will be staged in the castle’s quadrangle with Camilla, William, Kate and Mrs Macron watching as the King and Mr Macron inspect the Guard of Honour.
Lunch will be hosted in the State Dining Room, after which the president and his wife, the King and Queen and members of the royal family will view a special exhibition of items relating to France from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room.
Mr and Mrs Macron will also travel to London on Tuesday afternoon to see the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey and visit the Palace of Westminster where the French leader will address parliamentarians before meeting opposition leaders at Lancaster House.
The King and president will both deliver speeches at the banquet in the medieval St George’s Hall, where some 160 guests will be seated at the elaborately decorated 50 metre table, which will run the full length of the vast room.
William and Kate greet the French president and First Lady as they land
11:36
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Jabed Ahmed
Macron says UK and France will address major challenges such as migration and security
11:24
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Jabed Ahmed
Emmanuel Macron said his visit to the UK was “an important moment for our two nations” as he promised “effective” action on issues including migration.
He said: “The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend. Our bond is longstanding, forged by history and strengthened by trust.
“Together, we will address the major challenges of our time: security, defence, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture.
“These are all areas in which we seek to act together and deepen our co-operation in a concrete, effective and lasting way.”
Live: Macron arrives in Britain for state visit and talks with King Charles and Starmer
11:21
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Jabed Ahmed
Kate and William at RAF Northolt to welcome Macron
11:21
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Jabed Ahmed
The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at RAF Northolt ready to welcome President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.
Kate was wearing French fashion house Christian Dior and a hat by Jess Collett.
Her earrings belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales and the pearl necklace was from the late Queen’s collection.
The Christian Dior jacket is the 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket and a piece from the 2024 collection.
It was reimagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was inspired by the original first created in 1947 by Christian Dior himself.
Pictured | Police in Windsor prepare for Macron's visit
11:09
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Jabed Ahmed
Windsor Castle prepares for French guests
10:46
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Jabed Ahmed
Blue, white and red flowers in two large urns in honour of the King’s French guests decorate the specially constructed red-carpeted royal dais outside Windsor and Eton Riverside station.
Cleaners were seen vacuuming the steps of the covered structure, which offers a view of the castle where the famous round tower was flying a celebratory oversized Royal Standard.
Labour billionaire backer John Caudwell ‘nervous’ about Starmer after winter fuel ‘fiasco’
09:59
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Jabed Ahmed
Davey urges Starmer and Macron to unite against Trump's tariffs
09:29
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Jabed Ahmed
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged Sir Keir to use the state visit to create a “united front” against Donald Trump’s “damaging trade war”.
He said: “The Government has worked hard to negotiate but, every time, Donald Trump’s boomerang tariffs come back as he moves the goal posts again and again.
“It’s time to make clear to Trump that we will not take his playground bullying and divide-and-rule tactics lying down. That is the best way to stand up for British jobs, protect our economy and end the uncertainty of this trade war for good.”
Recap | French police ‘slash small boats with knives’ to prevent Channel crossings
08:58
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Jabed Ahmed
Our Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Breaking | Norman Tebbit, prominent minister in Thatcher government dies aged 94
08:43
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Jabed Ahmed
King to highlight vital bond with France over threats that ‘know no borders’
08:29
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Jabed Ahmed
The King will stress the vital partnership between France and the UK in the face of a “multitude of complex threats” at the state banquet in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron, declaring “as friends and as allies, we face them together”.
Charles and the Queen are set to welcome the French leader and his wife Brigitte to Windsor Castle on Tuesday as Mr Macron begins his three-day state visit to the UK.
At a glittering banquet in the historic Berkshire landmark in the evening, 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.”
Charles and Camilla are hosting Mr Macron and the first lady at the historic royal residence.
They will be feted with a carriage ride through the town, a ceremonial welcome and the opulent state dinner.
The King, in his toast, will reflect on 1,000 years of “shared history and culture between our two peoples”, including many of the royal family’s personal connections to France.
“For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other”, he will say, and reveal how he remains “in awe of France’s extraordinary attributes and achievements”.
Charles will also hail the Anglo-French partnership as vital amid the many challenges of today, saying: “Our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions.
“As friends and as allies, we face them together.”
How many small boats crossings have there been this year?
08:13
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Jabed Ahmed
A record number of people have crossed the Channel in small boats in the first six months of this year, figures show.
Data from the Home Office shows a total of 19,982 people have arrived in the UK since the start of 2025 – the highest total for the halfway point of the year since data was first collected on migrant crossings in 2018.
Last Monday (30 June), 879 people arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel, provisional Home Office data showed – the third highest number of arrivals on a single day so far this year.
The total for 2025 so far is 48 per cent higher than the figure for the first six months of 2024, which was 13,489, and 75 per cent higher than the equivalent figure for 2023, which was 11,433.
More than three out of five people think Starmer does not respect them – poll
07:59
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Jabed Ahmed
More than three in five people think Sir Keir Starmer does not respect them, a poll has found.
While in opposition, Sir Keir sought to make the concept of “respect” central to his pitch to voters, and research from UCL suggested this played a key role in convincing the public to back him and the Labour Party.
But a survey from More In Common and the UCL Policy Lab, published on Tuesday, suggested 63 per cent of the public now thought the Prime Minister did not respect people like them, almost twice the 32 per cent that thought so before the 2024 election.
And while 41 per cent of the public thought Sir Keir did respect them before the election, that figure has fallen to 24 per cent.
The poll also suggested that a perceived lack of respect from political elites was driving support for Reform UK, with supporters of that party more likely to think politicians as a whole disrespect them.
Some 85 per cent of Reform supporters said they thought politicians did not respect their contribution to society, while 86 per cent thought politicians did not respect their values.
But while Reform leader Nigel Farage scored more highly than the two main party leaders on respecting the public, 50 per cent of those surveyed still said he did not respect people like them.
That compared to 56 per cent for Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and 63 per cent for Sir Keir.
And just 33 per cent thought Mr Farage did respect them, compared to 24 per cent for both Mrs Badenoch and Sir Keir.
Politics Explained: What can we expect from this week’s state visit by Emmanuel Macron?
07:50
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Jabed Ahmed
Our Associate Editor Sean O’ Grady writes:
Remarkably, given the geographical closeness and the coincidence of interest, when Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte visit Britain this week to be given the full state visit treatment, it will be the first such honour since President and Madame Sarkozy came in 2008. That such a long gap has grown is obviously due to some difficult years in the interim, caused by the run-up to, and fallout from, the Brexit referendum in 2016. It’s fair to say neither country has fully recovered from the shock, but the old friendship is growing warmer…
Read the full article below:
Minister says people-smuggling won’t be solved ‘overnight’ amid questions over UK-France deal
07:38
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Jabed Ahmed
Heidi Alexander said tackling people-smuggling would not happen “overnight” as she faced questions about whether the trade could be reduced without a one in, one out deal with France.
The transport secretary said watching footage of French authorities slash small boats “wasn’t pleasant” but “that’s action that we are supporting”.
Asked whether the one in, one out arrangement was necessary to deal with Channel crossings, she told Times Radio: “Well, look, we’re working very closely with the French authorities, and the visit of President Macron this week is another opportunity to continue those discussions.
“I’m not going to speculate on the coverage of this possibility of a one in, one out agreement with France. We’ve seen in the last couple of days, haven’t we, that the French authorities are now using some new tactics to stop the boats in shallow waters.
“We welcome that and we want to build on it. I know that the Prime Minister spoke with President Macron at the weekend.
“We’re looking forward to further discussions this week, because I think all of us want to tackle the misery, really, that these very sophisticated international criminal gangs are inflicting through this vile trade that operates across the channel.”
She added: “We’ve been honest that this is a problem that we’re not going to fix overnight… So we need to tackle this from all sides.”
For context,
Last week, French authorities appeared to change tactics when officers used a knife to puncture an inflatable boat after it had launched.
Macron to arrive in UK with Starmer set to press for help on small boats
07:30
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Jabed Ahmed
French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in the UK on Tuesday as Sir Keir Starmer presses for more help stopping small boats crossing the Channel.
Mr Macron will be hosted by the King during his three-day state visit, the first by a French president since 2008.
But there will be a political dimension to the visit as well, with the president expected to meet the Prime Minister for a Franco-British summit later in the week.
Top of the agenda for that summit is likely to be action on small boat crossings as Sir Keir attempts to solve one of voters’ key issues.
This could include a so-called “one in, one out” deal to exchange Channel migrants for asylum seekers in Europe who have a link to the UK.
Such an agreement is thought still to be on the table, but a deal has not yet been done.
Ministers have also been pushing for France to revise its rules to allow police to intervene when boats are in shallow water, rather than requiring them still to be on land.
Welcome to The Independent's live politics coverage
07:19
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Jabed Ahmed
Good morning,
Welcome to The Independent’s live politics coverage today.
Here is what’s on the agenda:
- French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in the UK today as Sir Keir Starmer presses for more help stopping small boats crossing the Channel.
- The King will stress the vital partnership between France and the UK in the face of a “multitude of complex threats” at the state banquet in honour of Mr Macron, declaring “as friends and as allies, we face them together”.
- Sir Keir will host a cabinet meeting this morning.
- Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will appear before Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee on spending review.
- Foreign Secretary David Lammy will appear before Foreign Affairs Committee
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper before Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee
We will be bringing you the latest news, right here.
