His Royal Highness King Charles and Queen Camilla, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, welcome President Macron and the First Lady
President Emmanuel Macron of France, accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron, began a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with a grand arrival and welcome at Windsor. This marks the first state visit to the UK by a French president since 2008 and the first by an EU leader since Brexit, signaling a concerted effort to reset UK-EU relations.
The royal welcome began at RAF Northolt, where President and Mrs. Macron were personally greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine. Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales took on a leading role in today’s warm welcome of President Emmanuel Macron and Madame Brigitte Macron, reflecting the strength of the United Kingdom’s ties with France. With elegance and quiet authority, they greeted the French President and First Lady upon arrival at RAF Northolt before accompanying them to Windsor for the state ceremonies. During the regal procession, Today, The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a carriage with French Ministers Sébastien Lecornu and Rachida Dati during the ceremonial procession. Their presence alongside these senior dignitaries highlighted the close diplomatic and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and France. From there, they traveled together to Windsor, where the main ceremonial welcome awaited. King Charles III and Queen Camilla formally received the French couple on a specially constructed royal dais in Datchet Road, Windsor town centre, with Windsor Castle forming a majestic backdrop. Gun salutes sounded in Home Park to mark the arrival, adding to the pomp and pageantry.
In a spectacle befitting centuries of regal tradition, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, alongside President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, embarked on a grand carriage procession through the historic streets of Windsor, culminating at the venerable Windsor Castle. This ceremonial journey, observed by throngs of eager spectators, underscored the enduring pomp and pageantry that accompany a British state visit. The procession, a visual symphony of gilded splendour and equestrian grace, saw the King and President share an open-top 1902 State Landau, while the Queen and First Lady followed in a Semi-State Landau, allowing for clear views of the distinguished guests and symbolising a rekindling of Anglo-French relations. The 1902 State Landau is a classic example of royal carriage design, an open-top, four-wheeled carriage frequently used for ceremonial occasions where visibility of the monarch or visiting dignitaries is desired.
Following the formal greeting, King Charles and President Macron, along with Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron, took part in a carriage procession through the town and along a section of the Long Walk, leading to Windsor Castle. This traditional display of royal ceremony, witnessed by crowds lining the route, culminated in a ceremonial welcome in the castle’s quadrangle, complete with a Guard of Honour inspection by the King and President. The day’s events are set to continue with a private lunch and a viewing of relevant items from the Royal Collection, before culminating in a glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle this evening.
President Macron Inspects the Guard of Honour
President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by King Charles III, undertook the traditional inspection of the Guard of Honour within the historic Quadrangle of Windsor Castle. This pivotal moment in a state visit highlights the military prowess and ceremonial precision of the host nation.
The Guard of Honour, a meticulously formed contingent of elite British Army regiments, including the Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards, stood in impeccable formation. As the Massed Bands played “L’Entente Cordiale” – a symbolic musical gesture representing the strong alliance between France and the UK – President Macron, with King Charles by his side, walked along the ranks, acknowledging the smartly turned-out soldiers.The Captain of the Guard of Honour, Major Jake Sayers of the Grenadier Guards, addressed President Macron in fluent French, formally inviting him to inspect the troops. This centuries-old custom serves as both a respectful salute to the visiting head of state and a powerful display of military discipline and cooperation. The inspection concluded with a dignified march-past, further showcasing the coordinated precision of the British Armed Forces.
President Emmanuel Macron address to UK Parliament
President Emmanuel Macron delivered a compelling and inspiring address to both Houses of the UK Parliament, a rare and historically significant occasion that underscored a deliberate and optimistic resetting of Anglo-French relations. Speaking primarily in French, with key phrases in English, Macron’s speech resonated with themes of shared responsibility, mutual ambition, and the enduring strength of the bond between the two nations, despite the “regrettable” events of Brexit. He passionately urged Britain and France, as Europe’s leading military and nuclear powers, to “shoulder the burden of European security” together, particularly in the face of ongoing threats and “hesitating alliances.” This was a powerful call for renewed strategic cooperation, suggesting a future where their combined strength acts as a vital pillar for a secure and stable Europe.
The historical symbolism of a French President addressing the UK Parliament is profound, harkening back to moments of profound alliance and cooperation. It implicitly evokes the spirit of the “Entente Cordiale” and signifies a conscious move beyond recent tensions, acknowledging the deep, intertwined histories and shared democratic values. By choosing to speak to both Houses, Macron was directly engaging with the heart of British democracy, a gesture of respect and a clear signal of France’s desire for a strong, forward-looking partnership. He even drew on cultural touchstones, hinting at the Bayeux Tapestry’s upcoming loan to the British Museum as a metaphor for their interconnected narratives, whose “end has yet to be written.”
The reception extended to President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron was unequivocally warm and enthusiastic. From the moment they were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales at RAF Northolt, through the majestic carriage procession to Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla, and culminating in the parliamentary address, the atmosphere was one of genuine welcome. The applause and standing ovations from Members of Parliament and Peers demonstrated a collective desire to embrace this renewed era of cooperation. Brigitte Macron’s elegant presence alongside her husband further added to the diplomatic grace of the visit, contributing to the overall sense of celebration and optimism for the future of the unique relationship between the United Kingdom and France.
Grand State Banquet at Windsor Castle
The magnificent St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle was transformed into a scene of unparalleled splendor for the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in honour of President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. This historical setting, steeped in centuries of royal history, provided a truly regal backdrop for an evening celebrating the deep and evolving bond between the United Kingdom and France. Gilded candelabra cast a warm glow upon the meticulously laid 50-meter table, adorned with exquisite floral arrangements and the shimmering Grand Service, creating an atmosphere of breathtaking elegance. It was a visible testament to the enduring traditions of diplomacy and hospitality that define the British monarchy.
Amidst the glittering company of dignitaries and distinguished guests, the royal ladies and the First Lady were resplendent. Queen Camilla radiated grace in an ivory silk gown, enhanced by the dazzling sapphire and diamond parure from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, a nod to continuity and regal heritage. First Lady Brigitte Macron exuded modern chic in a vivid blue caped evening gown, its striking colour a subtle homage to the French flag, perfectly complementing the grandeur of the occasion. The Princess of Wales, Catherine, captivated all in a stunning dark red silk creponne gown, the rich hue a vibrant statement, gracefully paired with the Lover’s Knot tiara, a piece of profound historical significance.Their collective elegance underscored the symbolic importance of the evening, showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary style.
King Charles III’s speech was a masterful blend of historical reflection, strategic vision, and warm camaraderie, delivered with both gravitas and a delightful touch of humour. He spoke eloquently of the “thousand years of shared history and culture” that bind the two nations, from the Norman conquest to shared challenges of the modern era, proposing a new “Entente Amicale” – a friendly agreement – to transcend the past and build a dynamic future. His words, occasionally interspersed with fluent French, were truly inspiring, calling for Britain and France to “lead the way” in confronting complex global threats and working hand-in-hand. President Macron, visibly delighted by the reception and the King’s heartfelt sentiments, appeared genuinely joyous throughout the evening. His bright smile and appreciative gestures underscored the success of this pivotal state visit, marking a renewed chapter of collaboration and friendship between two great nations
