King Charles III creates history by becoming the first British sovereign to address French senators during his official visit to France. His speech, delivered to the French Senate in Paris, was marked by his commitment to the climate emergency and the importance of the Franco-British relationship.
In his speech, delivered in French and English, King Charles III stressed that the United Kingdom will always be one of France’s closest allies and best friends. He also expressed his gratitude to France for its support following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The king then addressed current international issues, such as the conflict in Ukraine and the climate emergency. He called for enhanced cooperation between the two countries to address these global challenges. “Together, our potential is unlimited. This is why we must cherish and maintain our cordial understanding to respond more effectively to the global climate and biodiversity emergency,” said King Charles III.
This statement comes in a context where the United Kingdom’s climate measures have recently been postponed, sparking criticism both from business circles and from the Conservatives in power. The king affirmed the unwavering determination of the United Kingdom and France to see Ukraine triumph in its fight against the Russian invasion.
King Charles III’s speech was highly appreciated by the French parliamentarians, who gave him a standing ovation at the end of his speech. The President of the French Senate, Gérard Larcher, described the applause as a “dream”.
While King Charles III addressed French senators, Queen Camilla participated with Brigitte Macron in the launch of the Literary Entente Prize at the National Library of France.
This royal visit to France marks a historic moment, highlighting the importance of the UK-France relationship and King Charles III’s commitment to crucial global issues such as the climate emergency and peace in Ukraine. This visit also strengthens the international image of the king, one year after his accession to the throne.