King Charles to ‘warn of complex threats’ as Macron makes historic state visit to the UK
The king will describe the UK and France as "friends and allies"
King Charles is set to warn Emmanuel Macron of “complex threats” and reaffirm the relationship across the Channel as the French President visits the UK this week.
The king is set to make a speech at a state banquet tonight (July 8). In it, he’ll tell Macron that there are “no borders” between the UK and France. It comes ahead of a summit between Macron and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer later this week.
For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other.
As reported by The Telegraph, he will describe the countries as “friends and allies” at Windsor Castle. He’ll then add that “our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions.
“These challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time.”
He’s set to add: “Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world.”
Also in his speech, Charles will reflect on a millennium of “shared history and culture between our two peoples.” He will add that “for centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other.” And, he’s set to tell Macron that he’s “in awe of France’s extraordinary attributes and achievements”.
King Charles welcomes President Macron for historic state visit
He will welcome Macron and his wife, Brigitte, at midday today. There will be a carriage ride through Windsor with Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Meanwhile, Macron is set to be guest of honour at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall this evening. The dinner will include food, drink, and music from both British and French cultures.
It’s set to be the king’s first state visit hosted at Windsor Castle. The last was in 2014, when Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina made the first Irish state visit to the UK. Since then, state visits have been held at Buckingham Palace. However, parts of the palace are temporarily closed for refurbishment.
The king isn’t expected to make reference to any particular political issue. However, he’s thought to be referring to multiple matters including defence, technology and climate change.
His speech comes as Starmer and Macron have been working on a deal in which France would take back people who have crossed the Channel in small boats. In return, the UK would accept a similar number of legal asylum seekers from France.
The “one-in, one-out” plan was intended as a focal point of the Anglo-French summit on Thursday (July 10). The idea is to show people-smuggling gangs that migrants will be returned to France once they reach the UK.
Work on civil nuclear projects is set to be discussed too. As is a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine should a ceasefire be agreed upon. However, the king won’t be involved in these discussions and will host Macron separately.
The king’s poignant social media message
The visit comes a day after Charles marked the 20th anniversary of the London transit bombings of 2005 with a touching social media message.
He said on Instagram yesterday: “Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were for ever changed on that terrible summer’s day.”
He added: “We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass.
“In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.”
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