King Charles III is planning to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron next week, marking his first state visit to France. Despite the long-standing competition between the UK and France, there will be no barriers to communication as both leaders are fluent in each other's languages.
Paris is busy preparing to welcome King Charles on his postponed inaugural state visit to France. The King hopes to replicate his successful visit to Germany earlier this year. With ongoing disputes between the UK and France over issues such as Brexit and cross-border migration, the UK hopes that the King's visit will help ease the strained bilateral relationship of recent years.
Chris Fitzgerald, Deputy Private Secretary to King Charles, stated, "This state visit will celebrate the relationship between the UK and France, highlighting our shared history, culture, and values. It will also provide an opportunity to look forward and showcase cooperation between the UK and France in promoting and protecting biodiversity, addressing climate change, enhancing security and defense relationships, and recognizing outstanding cultural achievements."
Originally planned for March of this year, the state visit to France was cancelled by King Charles due to concerns that protests against Macron's economic policies could disrupt the ceremonial events. Instead, he visited Germany. However, both sides now hope that the delayed visit will have a celebratory atmosphere rather than adding to the tension.
It is expected that environmental issues will top the agenda for both leaders, as King Charles and President Macron share a strong interest in tackling climate change, which has been a longstanding common theme. Their joint statements at the United Nations climate change conference have already garnered significant attention, and President Macron's poignant speech following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last September deeply moved many.
As one of the King's first public engagements, he will become the first British monarch to address the French Senate at the Luxembourg Palace in Paris. This speech will be delivered before 348 senators and other members of the National Assembly. Royal commentator Dick Abbott believes that the King's speech is unlikely to be controversial, as he must avoid crossing political boundaries. The content heard by the parliamentarians will be rather mundane.
The King also plans to visit Bordeaux and meet with emergency responders assisting in fighting wildfires as well as affected residents. Last year, France witnessed record-breaking forest fires that destroyed over 62,000 hectares of land. This visit will further deepen the King's understanding of the urgency of addressing climate change issues.
This state visit will be a milestone in the bilateral relationship and an opportunity to foster closer cooperation. Currently, UK-France relations are not particularly amicable and face numerous challenges, such as Brexit, the Northern Ireland border issue, migration, and fishing disputes. However, President Macron's tribute to the late Queen was very appropriate and fitting. Now, the banquet and the King's speech in the Senate will spark much speculation.
Despite the existing challenges between the two countries, this visit will emphasize the celebration of UK-France relations and collaboration on addressing climate change. The King's first state visit will serve as a prominent platform for the issues he cares about. This visit holds great significance amidst the ongoing negotiations with the European Union and the situation in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of the trip to France and unity among European allies.