The state visit of King Charles III to Paris arouses great enthusiasm, both for its historical aspect and for the diplomatic issues surrounding it. Indeed, after having been postponed several times due to protest movements in France, this visit marks the first official appearance of the British sovereign as king.
The welcome given to King Charles III and Queen Camilla is exemplary, with a state dinner planned at the prestigious Palace of Versailles in the presence of more than 150 guests. This meal, which pays tribute to the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1972, promises to be memorable.
The visit program has been slightly modified due to the circumstances, but remains rich in strong symbols and meetings with representatives of French civil society. On their arrival in Paris, the royal couple will be welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at the Arc de Triomphe, where they will rekindle the flame of the Unknown Soldier. A descent of the Champs-Élysées is also planned, before the state dinner.
Among the highlights of the visit, King Charles III will deliver a speech to parliamentarians in the Senate, in which he is expected to speak partly in French. This approach underlines the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries, despite the challenges posed by Brexit.
The environment, the promotion of reading and youth entrepreneurship are also at the heart of the concerns of the two heads of state. Meetings with local associations and sports figures are planned, notably in Saint-Denis, a Paris suburb which will host the Paris Summer Olympics next year.
The tour will then continue to Bordeaux, with a vineyard visit and a meeting with firefighters who fought against fires in the Landes department last year. This step testifies to the importance of the historical links between the two countries.
Beyond the protocol aspect of this visit, it has an important political dimension. While tensions around Brexit persist, this visit is an opportunity for French and British leaders to renew ties and find common ground.
The relationship between King Charles III and President Emmanuel Macron is described as warm and promising for the future of Franco-British relations. Recent gestures of openness and appeasement from the British government confirm the importance of this visit in the context of Brexit.
In conclusion, the state visit of King Charles III to Paris is a major historical event which marks a turning point in relations between France and the United Kingdom. Beyond the protocol aspects, this visit offers the opportunity to strengthen ties between the two countries and to find common ground despite the challenges of Brexit.