Royal Welcome: Windsor Hosts French President
A historic state visit unfolds as King Charles prepares to receive French President Emmanuel Macron at Windsor Castle. This significant event highlights the enduring relationship and shared heritage between the United Kingdom and France.
A Royal First at Windsor
This state visit marks a first for the monarch this year. Due to ongoing renovations at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle serves as the backdrop for this important occasion, marking a departure from the usual London setting.
While unusual, Windsor Castle has hosted similar grand events before. The last state visit there was in 2014, when Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh welcomed Irish President Michael D. Higgins.
Echoes of History
State visits at Windsor Castle stretch back through generations. In 1855, Queen Victoria hosted Emperor Napoleon III of France at the base of the castle’s Grand Staircase, according to the Royal Collection Trust.
Pageantry and Ceremony
The French state visit includes a formal welcome at the Royal Dais on Datchet Road in Windsor. Royal salutes will boom from Home Park and the Tower of London.
A carriage procession will carry King Charles, the Queen, the Waleses, Mr. Macron, and Mrs. Macron through Windsor and along the Long Walk leading to the castle.
In the castle quadrangle, a ceremonial welcome is planned. Camilla, William, Kate, and Mrs. Macron will watch as King Charles and Mr. Macron review the Guard of Honour.
Following lunch in the State Dining Room, President Macron, his wife, the King, the Queen, and other royals will view a special exhibition of French-related items from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room.
London Engagements
Mr. and Mrs. Macron will journey to London on Tuesday afternoon, stopping at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. At the Palace of Westminster, the French leader will address parliamentarians in the Royal Gallery and meet opposition leaders at Lancaster House.
That evening, King Charles will host a state banquet within Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Hall. Both Charles and Macron are scheduled to give speeches to invited guests.
The attendance of the Princess of Wales at the banquet remains unconfirmed by Kensington Palace. Royal experts note that the Princess usually attends such state events, but her presence will only be announced closer to the time.
Future Discussions
On Wednesday, President and Mrs. Macron will join Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer for lunch at Downing Street, preceding a UK-France summit at Number 10 on Thursday. The meetings follow recent analysis showing the UK is France’s fifth largest export market, taking 5.4% of total French exports (Trading Economics).