UK | France State Visit Day Two – A Royal Grand Tour and a Prime Ministerial Welcome for President Macron and Brigitte Macron
President Emmanuel Macron’s Day 2 in the UK focused on a blend of symbolic gestures, high-level political talks, and significant cultural announcements, aiming to solidify the “Entente Amicale” (friendly understanding) between the two nations.
Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at St. George’s Chapel
President Macron and Mrs. Macron paid their respects at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St. George’s Chapel. This act of remembrance carries significant weight. Queen Elizabeth II had a deep personal connection with France, and her passing was widely mourned there. The president and his wife had spent a private period laying flowers at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II. President Macron himself offered a poignant tribute to her at the state banquet on Day 1, calling her “the Queen” to the French as well as the British. This gesture underscored the enduring bond between the two nations beyond political shifts and individual leaders. St. George’s Chapel, within the historic walls of Windsor Castle, is a site of immense royal and national significance, making the tribute all the more impactful.
Windsor Castle Gardens Tour with King Charles III
King Charles III, known for his strong interest in environmental issues and sustainability, personally hosted President Macron on a tour of the Windsor Castle gardens. The King showed President Macron the Windsor Castle Gardens, including areas of work on nature restoration and biodiversity within the gardens and the wider Great Park. In the South garden, the King presented a 9ft tree-sapling of an oak tree from the Savill Garden Nursery, Windsor, which will be planted in the garden of the French Residence in London. The gift reciprocates the oak sapling given to the King by President Macron during their State Visit to France in 2023, planted in the British Residence garden in Paris.
This shared interest in environmentalism provides a contemporary and collaborative dimension to the relationship. While royal engagements are often ceremonial, this specific focus allowed for a more substantive discussion on a global challenge where both nations seek to show leadership.
Queen Camilla and Madame Macron walked outside Windsor Castle, gazing down the iconic Long Walk as they admired a procession of horses and a historic carriage from the Royal Mews. Among them was the Charabanc—a carriage originally gifted to Queen Victoria by King Louis-Philippe of France in 1844, which has since been beautifully restored and remains in use today.
During their visit, the two women enjoyed a guided viewing, which included a selection of historical photographs and details about the carriage’s distinctive crown emblem and elegant paintwork. Her Majesty showed particular affection for the horses, gently stroking their noses and engaging with them fondly.
They were also introduced to Fabuleu de Maucour, the horse gifted by President Macron to Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 to mark her Platinum Jubilee. Admiring him with a smile, the Queen affectionately described him as a “handsome boy” and praised his “beautiful” headgear.
Viewing Historic Charabanc Carriage
The royal couple and the Macrons viewed a Charabanc carriage, a historical gift from King Louis-Philippe of France to Queen Victoria in 1844. This moment was a direct nod to centuries of Anglo-French royal and diplomatic ties. The gift of the carriage in 1844 would have been a significant symbol of goodwill and shared leisure among European royalty, emphasizing a long history of intertwined fortunes and cultural exchange that predates many modern political divisions. It reinforces the idea that despite historical conflicts, there’s a deep underlying connection.
Farewell to HRH King Charles and HRH Queen Camilla
The President and Mrs. Macron then formally bid farewell to King Charles and Queen Camilla In a sign of their friendship, Charles and the French leader clasped hands for 28 seconds as they parted company at Windsor Castle when the first element of the three-day trip came to an end. The King and president talked during the handshake which became more poignant when Mr Macron held Charles’ hand with both of his for the last few moments before heading to London for the political and cultural segments of the visit.
PM Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Victoria Starmer hosted President Emmanuel Macron
At the very heart of Day 2, a moment of profound significance unfolded as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Victoria Starmer hosted President Emmanuel Macron for a pivotal working lunch at the iconic 10 Downing Street. This was no mere formality, but a concentrated effort to deepen the unwavering partnership and unlock extraordinary opportunities facing both nations, and indeed, the wider European continent.
With the urgency of shared purpose, the leaders engaged in candid and constructive dialogue, exploring avenues to strengthen their already robust bilateral ties. The discussions underscored a remarkable depth of trust and a profound commitment to finding common ground on a range of global priorities.
The agenda reached into the very foundations of international security and prosperity. Robust discussions on defense cooperation reaffirmed a united front against geopolitical instability, with unwavering support for Ukraine demonstrating their shared dedication to sovereignty and international law. Simultaneously, talks on broader economic ties signaled a powerful ambition to transcend past complexities, forging an even stronger, more dynamic relationship that leverages the immense potential of both economies for mutual benefit and innovation.
This meeting was a powerful affirmation that in an increasingly interconnected world, the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and France remains an indispensable cornerstone of stability and progress. It was a testament to courageous leadership, a shared commitment to common values, and a collective vision for a future defined not by division, but by collaborative strength and renewed purpose on the global stage.
PM Sir Keir Starmer and President Macron delivered an inspiring message
At the magnificent British Museum, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered an inspiring message, not just of shared history, but of a vibrant future for the UK and France. Standing amidst treasures of human civilisation, he celebrated the extraordinary cultural exchange – the Bayeux Tapestry returning to British soil, a symbol of our intertwined past, while priceless Sutton Hoo artefacts will grace France. Prime Minister Starmer spoke of how these ancient treasures, holding stories of both conflict and unity, remind us that despite our differences, common bonds endure across languages and cultures. He declared that in this new era of global change, the alliance between the UK and France is more vital than ever. With President Macron by his side, he spoke of standing shoulder to shoulder, leading efforts to support Ukraine and work for peace. This wasn’t just about looking back; it was a powerful call to write a new chapter, where two great nations forge peace, build prosperity, and remain a beacon of collaboration for the world.
President Emmanuel Macron underscored the deep, living connection between France and the United Kingdom. With the landmark announcement of the Bayeux Tapestry’s loan – its return to British soil after 900 years – he spoke not just of shared history, but of a future still to be written, hand-in-hand. President Macron declared that this cultural exchange, a symbol of reconciliation and renewed understanding, showcases how our nations, despite their unique paths, are bound by geography, a rich past, and a common destiny. He emphasized that in a world facing unprecedented challenges, the alliance between France and the UK is not just important, but essential for saving Europe, for upholding democracy and international order. His message was a powerful call to seize this moment, to strengthen collaboration across all sectors, from defense to innovation, ensuring that the channel between our countries becomes a bridge, not a divide. It was a vision of two great nations, standing shoulder to shoulder, inspiring the world through their unity and collective action.
The British Museum stands as one of the world’s most celebrated institutions, dedicated to human history, art, and culture. Located in the heart of London, it offers a breathtaking journey through time, housing over eight million artifacts that span more than two million years of civilization. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, Egyptian mummies to Mesopotamian treasures, every gallery unveils the ingenuity, diversity, and resilience of humankind. Open to all and free to enter, the British Museum is not only a sanctuary of global heritage but a powerful reminder of our shared past—and the possibilities it holds for understanding and unity.
President and Mrs. Macron Attend Grand Guildhall Banquet
President and Mrs. Macron attended a grand banquet at the Guildhall in the City of London. This prestigious event was hosted by the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of the City of London, and they were accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. This dinner was a crucial opportunity for President Macron to engage directly with the UK’s financial and business communities, underscoring the strong economic ties and investment opportunities between the two nations. It’s a traditional highlight of state visits, allowing the visiting head of state to address and connect with key figures in the host country’s economic heartland.
At the historic Guildhall, President Emmanuel Macron delivered a truly inspiring address, celebrating the profound and unbreakable bond between France and the United Kingdom. He spoke of two nations, intertwined by history and culture, now poised to confront the future with renewed vigour and unity. President Macron emphasised that in a world grappling with immense challenges – from geopolitical shifts to economic turbulence – the strategic partnership between France and the UK is not merely desirable, but absolutely essential. He looked beyond past differences, underscoring the vital need for both countries to stand shoulder to shoulder, particularly in safeguarding European stability and championing democratic values on the global stage. His speech was a powerful call to action, urging deepened collaboration across all sectors, from finance and innovation to security and culture, to build a future of shared prosperity and collective strength. It was a heartfelt affirmation of an “Entente Amicale,” transforming a historical understanding into a dynamic, forward-looking alliance that can inspire and lead the world
Lord Mayor Alastair King, the City of London’s chief ambassador, delivered a truly empowering address that resonated with the spirit of global ambition and unwavering collaboration. With President Macron as his esteemed guest, the Lord Mayor championed London’s enduring role as a vibrant heart of international commerce and innovation. He spoke not just of financial prowess, but of the deep, trusting relationships that underpin prosperity, urging the assembled leaders and business titans to embrace bold new ventures. His words radiated confidence in the future of the Anglo-French partnership, painting a compelling vision of two dynamic economies uniting to drive growth, foster creativity, and lead the charge in shaping a more prosperous and interconnected world. It was a powerful testament to the City’s commitment to building bridges and forging a shared future of success.
This event, part of the state visit, marked a ceremonial, diplomatic highlight of the day—showcasing Franco‑British cooperation through both civic and royal representation. The Guildhall banquet served as a powerful expression of cultural unity and strengthened ties between the two nations.
