Royalty
Wednesday, 20th September 2023
Charles thanks Macron for President’s warm tributes to his late mother as the pair swap toasts at glittering state banquet: King and Queen Camilla are joined by 160 guests including Mick Jagger and Hugh Grant in the Palace of Versailles
The people of France
who are staunchly Anti-Monarchist simply adore King Charles III. King Charles cheered President Emmanuel Macron and spoke about the UK’s and France’s ‘firm friendship’ as he and Queen Camilla joined French and British dignitaries and celebrities for a black tie gala at the Palace of Versailles tonight.
Their Majesties were guests of honour at a glittering state banquet in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles at the end of a whirlwind first day of their inaugural state visit to France.
High-profile figures invited to the dinner to mark their ‘contribution to UK-France relations’, including Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger and actor Hugh Grant, were among the 160 guests addressed by Charles and Mr Macron on Wednesday evening.
The King told the president: ‘Your generosity of spirit brings to mind how my family and I were so greatly moved by the tributes paid in France to my mother, the late Queen, whose funeral took place one year ago yesterday.
‘Mr. President, among the many profoundly moving gestures here, the flying of the Union flag at the Elysee was particularly poignant.
King Charles cheered President Emmanuel Macron and spoke about the UK’s and France ‘s ‘firm friendship’ as he and Queen Camilla joined French and British dignitaries and celebrities for a black tie gala at the Palace of Versailles tonight
Their Majesties were guests of honour at a glittering state banquet in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles at the end of a whirlwind first day of their inaugural state visit to France.
Brigitte Macron toast with Queen Camilla as President Emmanuel Macron looks on during a state banquet.
High-profile figures invited to the dinner to mark their ‘contribution to UK-France relations’, including Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger and actor Hugh Grant, were among the 160 guests addressed by Charles and Mr. Macron (pictured) on Wednesday evening.
The king and president toasted Champagne in the Hall of Mirrors in France
Macron and Charles looked very friendly as they attended the state dinner in France
Macron couldn’t resist bringing up Brexit as he raised his glass in a speech for continued relations between the UK and France
Charles thanked Mr and Mme Macron for honouring his late mother – whose funeral was one year ago today
The two appeared very close throughout the night and chatted and thanked one another
The pair clinked champagne glasses at the historic palace west of Paris
Guests enjoyed a grand dinner inside the palace to mark Charles and Camilla’s first day in France
Salut! Macron ensured his glass was empty as he cheered Charles and fellow dignitaries
The pair appeared to booster British-French relations at the State Banquet
The pair matched in very dapper suits as they cheersed one another
Charles clapped following Mr Macron’s speech where he praised a history between Britain and France
Cheeky Macron couldn’t resist a wink after giving his speech
Meanwhile, Brigitte and Camilla matched in navy dresses and sparkling accessorises
XXX
‘Your words, at that time, meant a great dealt to us too. You said that she had touched your hearts – and it was she who held France in the greatest affection, as, of course, did my grandmother Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
‘My parents’ first official visit together was to France in 1948, shortly after their wedding.
‘By all accounts, they made quite a splash, dancing till the early hours at the glamourous Chez Carrere in the Rue Pierre Charron, serenaded by Edith Piaf.
‘I suspect it may have left an indelible impression on me, even six months before I was born – La Vie En Rose is one of my favourite songs to this day.’
The King also said relations between the UK and France have not always been ‘straightforward’, but went on to stress the unity between the nations.
Charles also mentioned the importance of Britain working with France to tackle climate change.
He went on: ‘Mr. President, in all of this we can rely on our firm friendship, which is renewed and reinvigorated with each new generation.
‘I would like if you would allow me, to raise a toast to President and Madame Macron and to the French people, as well as to our entente cordiale – a sustainable alliance.
‘Whatever lies ahead, may it endure, faithful and constant, for centuries to come.’
President Emmanuel Macron added that France and Britain would rise up to the challenges of the modern world despite the tensions created by Brexit.
‘Despite Brexit… I know, Your Majesty, that we will continue to write part of the future of our continent together, to meet the challenges and to serve the causes we have in common,’ Macron said in a toast describing Charles’ visit as a ‘tribute to our past… and guarantee of the future.’
The King also said relations between the UK and France have not always been ‘straightforward’, but went on to stress the unity between the nations
Charles raised a toast to President and Madame Macron during the celebration in Versailles
Charles also mentioned the importance of Britain working with France to tackle climate change
Charles delivers a speech as French President Emmanuel Macron listens to during a state dinner in the Hall of Mirrors
President Emmanuel Macron added that France and Britain would rise up to the challenges of the modern world despite the tensions created by Brexit
Macron and King Charles toast during a state dinner in the Hall of Mirrors, in front of French, British, and EU flags
Macron listened intensely to King Charles during the speech in France
Charles and Brigitte clinked glasses after the speech to toast to the UK and France
Brigitte looked stunning as she tied her blonde tresses up and donned glittering jewellery
Queen Camilla dazzled in diamonds and sapphires tonight as President Macron kissed her hand and King Charles declared their welcome to France Magnifique
Chandeliers donned the room as celebrity guests tucked into a banquet
King Charles’ speech in full
Mr. President
Madame Macron
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
I cannot tell you how delighted my wife and I are to be with you this evening at the end of the first day of our first State Visit in France. If
I may say so, it has been worth the wait! We are both enormously touched by the magnificent welcome that has been extended to us. France and the French people have shown us such remarkable warmth and kindness, and we are very grateful.
Your generosity of spirit brings to mind how my family and I were so greatly moved by the tributes paid in France to my Mother, The late Queen, whose funeral took place one year ago yesterday. Mr. President, among the many profoundly moving gestures here, the flying of the Union flag at the Elysée was particularly poignant. Your words, at that time, meant a great dealt to us too. You said that she had touched your hearts – and it was she who held France in the greatest affection, as, of course, did my grandmother Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
My parents’ first official visit together was to France in nineteen forty-eight, shortly after their wedding. By all accounts, they made quite a splash, dancing till the early hours at the glamourous Chez Carrere in the Rue Pierre Charron, serenaded by Edith Piaf. I suspect it may have left an indelible impression on me, even six months before I was born – La Vie en Rose is one of my favourite songs to this day!
And, of course, President Pompidou hosted my mother here at the Palace of Versailles on her second State Visit in nineteen seventy-two. I was reminded recently that when she returned the courtesy with dinner for the President and Madame Pompidou at the Hotel de Charost, they ran into a little more difficulty. Our Embassy tried to bring several cases of English wine over from Hampshire for the banquet, only to be prevented by a customs official at Orly. In those days, there was no such thing as ‘English wine’… As Roland Topor surmised, “les Français ont du vin, les Anglais de l’humour”.
Mr. President – your invitation to visit France and your exceptionally generous hospitality, are symbols of the enduring relationship between our two countries. The connections between our people are myriad, and represent the lifeblood of our Entente Cordiale, which was inspired by my great great Grandfather, King Edward the seventh. As we look ahead to the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale in twenty twenty-four, it is incumbent upon us all to reinvigorate our friendship to ensure it is fit for the challenges of this, the twenty-first century. I was therefore heartened to see the visit of my Prime Minister to Paris earlier this year for the first Franco-British Summit in five years, where you both looked ahead to a renewal of the Entente, strengthening our cooperation to tackle today’s challenges, such as the defence of Ukraine, the misery of human trafficking, access to energy and a sustainable future.
In our long and complex history, our relations have of course not always been entirely straightforward. I think it was a French King who once said that he would rather be a wood-cutter than the King of England, dealing with our national complexities. As an avid forester, I am pleased to report that it is entirely possible to combine the two!
As it happens, woodworkers offer an unexpected example of our modern bonds. Marlin Hendry from the hills of Devon, and Mike Dennis, apprenticed in the valleys of South Wales, are – like many talented artisans – using traditional tools to fashion strong and beautiful new beams for the roof of Notre Dame from their workshop in Normandy.
Having been utterly appalled by the scenes of such devastation following the catastrophic fire four and a half years ago, my wife and I look forward to visiting that magnificent cathedral tomorrow, to see for ourselves how centuries-old crafts have been revived and passed onto apprentices who are helping to restore Notre Dame to its former glory. In this regard, we were both, my wife and myself, so deeply sorry to hear of the death of General Jean-Louis Georgelin, one of France’s great soldiers, who led the restoration work there in his inimitable and charismatic way. We pay tribute to all he achieved.
All this brings to mind the incredible skill of the British and European artisans who restored Windsor Castle after its own devastating fire thirty years ago.
It shows us, perhaps, that history is not something to be consigned to a shelf, gathering dust, seldom to be revisited; rather history is something alive and man-made; our identity and sense of meaning maintained by living traditions, to which we constantly add new chapters; a guide not just to the past, but to the present, drawing timeless threads between generations.
As neighbours, we have long been fascinated by one another, and our cultural heritage derives more from one another than we might realize. The first restaurants in Paris, for instance, were modelled on British taverns, and as it happens one of the most famous was called “La Grande Taverne de Londres…” which would be a greater source of pride if it were not that their success was based on French food, French wine and French chefs! We did however provide a grateful clientele both in France, and in London. And you have a very grateful British diner this evening!
Mr President, our nations’ long history has been written by countless extraordinary men and women, from Guillaume le Conquérant to ‘Big Moustache’ of La Grande Vadrouille; and from Eleanor of Aquitaine to the late, great, Jane Birkin, la plus française des britanniques, who both on screen and off, have helped to define our common destiny.
Today, our countries stand together against oppression and in support of the most vulnerable, including those who suffer the devastating impact of natural disaster or conflict – whether in Ukraine, in Libya and in Morocco.
Together, we strive to protect and restore our natural world and to combat the existential threat of global warming and climate change. On this, Mr. President, I wholeheartedly share the view you expressed at the One Planet Summit last year, when you spoke of how a more sustainable world can both preserve our heritage, and provide future opportunity – to encourage our businesses, our governments and our people to work together as rapidly as possible to ensure that our energy and our finance is directed where it can have the most impact. Tomorrow, we shall meet together with business leaders from France and Britain, whose innovations and investments are supporting that vision, investing in clean growth and to preserve our precious biodiversity.
Our two countries are also working together to build opportunity for the next generation. As I have sought to encourage through the Prince’s Trust I established some forty-seven years ago, marvellous things can result when young people are empowered to fulfil their potential. Tomorrow, my wife and I will see this in action at Saint Denis, where the Rugby World Cup is inspiring new generations to take up sport, thanks to partnerships with community groups such as “Sport Dans la Ville” and “Objectif Emploi”, amongst others. As for the World Cup itself, whatever the result of the tournament – on which I will simply say, diplomatically, “May the best team win!” – we can all surely agree that you deserve all our thanks for the magnificent tournament you are hosting with such panache, in cities the length and breadth of this beautiful country.
In all of these efforts, on and off the field, as so often in our history, we must persevere. As a master craftsman shapes each stone to play its part, so must each of our endeavours build upon the last, rising from foundations laid by those who came before. Working together, with ambition and determination, who knows how far we can reach.
By protecting our precious planet, and by fostering security, opportunity and hope, we will continue to grow together – strong, vital, prosperous.
Mr. President, in all of this we can rely on our firm friendship, which is renewed and reinvigorated with each new generation.
I would like if you would allow me, to raise a toast to President and Madame Macron and to the French people, as well as to our Entente Cordiale – a sustainable alliance. Whatever lies ahead, may it endure, faithful and constant, for centuries to come.
Queen Camilla dazzled in diamonds and sapphires tonight as President Macron kissed her hand and King Charles declared their welcome to France ‘Magnifique’.
Among them was French royalty, actress, and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg, in a black dress split to the thigh which barely covered her modesty, as the locals say.
Celebrity guests included Sir Mick Jagger, who owns a chateau in France, French-British actress Emma Mackey, as well as footballing legends with ties to England and France including, Patrick Vieira, Arsene Wenger, and Didier Drogba.
Camilla and Brigitte, 70, matched in navy ball gowns while Charles and Emmanuel opted for black bow ties and dinner jackets.
In a nod to her hosts, Camilla dressed in Dior and was draped with a stunning parure of jewellery inherited from her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth.
She and the King were greeted by Macron and his wife, Bridgette, on the red carpet.
And in a sweet moment – which summed up the Entente Cordiale of the day – Mme Macron could be seen carefully adjusting Camilla’s cape after it slid down her shoulder and she struggled to fix it.
King Charles III with President Macron before planting an oak tree at the British Ambassador’s residence after the ceremony
Macron shares footage of Charles’s previous official trips to France
The President of the flame committee then invited Charles and Camilla to sign the ‘Livre d’Or’ or the ‘Golden Book’, to mark their visit.
Their Majesties, accompanied by the President and Madame Macron, then left in a waiting car to be driven down the Champs-Elysée toward the Elysée Palace, escorted by two Squadrons of the Mounted Regiment of the Garde Républicaine.
The King presented President Macron with a photography album containing images of the two of them.
Charles, 74, also gave Mr Macron a complete edition of French author Voltaire’s writings as they met at the Elysee Palace.
The complete edition included Voltaire’s Lettres sur les Anglais, otherwise known as Lettres philosophiques.
The works have been edited by Prof Nicholas Cronk, director of the Voltaire Foundation and a leading UK academic at Oxford University.
Having started work in 1968, the complete works, comprising 205 volumes, was only recently finished in April 2022.
In return, Mr Macron gave the King a golden coin from the Monnaie de Paris featuring Charles’s portrait.
He also gave him a first-edition prize-winning French novel – Romain Gary’s novel Les Racines (The Roots of Heaven), which won the Prix Goncourt, France’s highest literary award in 1956.
The King and Mr Macron arrived by car at the Elysee together just before 4pm, closely followed by the Queen and Brigitte Macron.
The foursome exchanged pleasantries as they stood at the end of a red carpet in the courtyard, laughing and joking together.
They then made their way up the red carpet, pausing to pose for photographs before Charles and Camilla led the way inside.
Mr Macron appeared particularly animated, joking with the gathered media.
Inside, the King and Mr Macron posed for photographs in the lavishly decorated Salon d’ore which is used as the President’s main office.
As they entered the room, Charles jokingly asked if the waiting photographers were always there.
The men posed before the French and EU flags before taking their seats for a private discussion.
The King and Mr Macron left on foot at 16.40, headed for the UK ambassador’s residence where they will plant an oak tree presented as a gift by the French President.
The two men appeared to be in deep conversation as they strolled out of the grounds together.
The couples will then meet a number of community sports groups and sports stars as France hosts the Rugby World Cup and prepares to host the Olympics next year.
After travelling to Bordeaux, the King and Queen will meet emergency workers and communities affected by the Bordeaux wildfires in 2022, highlighting how to tackle climate change.
While in the region the King will also meet British and French military personnel as well as attend a GREAT campaign where British and French businesses will be showcased.
Finishing off their jam-packed visit, they will take a trip to an organic vineyard before flying back to Scotland where they have spent the summer.
X
xxx
XXX
