President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the United Kingdom this week for a state visit hosted by HRM King Charles III.
The visit, beginning on Tuesday, is taking place at Windsor Castle, as Buckingham Palace is currently under renovation.
This marks a special moment in relations between the two countries, as President Macron is the first European leader to receive a state invitation from the king since he was coronated.
King Charles, who speaks fluent French and has shown a deep personal connection to France for decades, invited the French president as a gesture of friendship.
The two leaders share similar views on major issues such as the war in Ukraine and certain environmental concerns.
They have met before, most notably during the king’s state visit to France in September 2023, where their close working relationship was visible to many.
This trip also has personal meaning for the king. From a young age, he learned French and has visited France officially more than 35 times since the 1970s.
His affection for the country mirrors that of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who maintained strong diplomatic and personal ties with France during her long reign.
King Charles’s first state visit was originally planned for France in March 2023 but had to be delayed due to protests happening at the time. This current visit in the UK is a chance to pick up where they left off and continue building trust and cooperation.
The visit comes ahead of another high-profile guest, as former US President Donald Trump has also been invited for a state visit later this year, likely in September, though a date has not been confirmed.
The meeting between President Macron and King Charles is part a continued effort to strengthen a positive relationship between France and the UK, especially after the tension caused by Brexit and the death of their former monarch, Queen Elizabeth.
Both leaders have shown a willingness to work closely not just as political partners, but as individuals with mutual respect for each other’s customs.