King Charles Hosts Macron in First European State Visit Since Brexit.

King Charles III is set to underline the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and France during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit—the first by a European leader to the UK since Brexit. The three-day visit, beginning Tuesday, comes at a time when both nations face what the King describes as a “multitude of complex threats.”

Charles and Queen Camilla are hosting President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at Windsor Castle, where a state banquet will be held in their honor. In his toast at the banquet, the King is expected to praise the strength of the Anglo-French relationship, stating: “As friends and as allies, we face them together,” according to Britain’s PA Media.

He will also reflect on the nations’ shared history and culture, expressing admiration for France’s “extraordinary attributes and achievements.”

The Macrons were received at RAF Northolt by the Prince and Princess of Wales and accompanied to Windsor, where they were welcomed with full ceremonial honors. Upon arrival, President Macron greeted Prince William warmly and kissed Princess Catherine’s hand.

In a display of royal pageantry, Charles and Macron rode together in the historic 1902 State Landau carriage to Windsor Castle. Upon arrival, they were greeted by an honor guard of the Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards, as the French and British national anthems played.

The royal family hosted the guests for lunch in the State Dining Room, continuing the warm diplomatic reception.

Ahead of the visit, Macron called it an “important moment for our two nations,” writing on social media:

“The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend. Our bond is longstanding, forged by history and strengthened by trust.”

He outlined shared goals, including cooperation on security, defense, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture.

The visit follows King Charles and Queen Camilla’s state trip to France in 2023 and, according to the Élysée Palace, aims to reinforce the close relationship between the two countries.

Macron’s itinerary also includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey and an address to both Houses of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster.

In the days to come, Macron will meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with talks expected to focus on defense collaboration and strategies to curb illegal Channel crossings. On Thursday, the two leaders will participate in a UK-France Summit at Downing Street.

Support for Ukraine will be a key topic, including discussions on the “Coalition of the Willing”—a European peacekeeping initiative. Macron and Starmer are also expected to visit a military base in northwest London and join an international video call with coalition partners.

Both leaders arrive at the summit navigating domestic political challenges and waning poll numbers. While major breakthroughs on migration or Ukraine may be unlikely, even modest agreements would signal a renewed spirit of cooperation and a reset in Franco-British relations.

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