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£9.99French President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a state visit to the UK in July, as per Buckingham Palace’s announcement. During his visit, he and his wife Brigitte Macron will be hosted by the King and Queen at Windsor Castle from 8th to 10th July. This visit will mark President Macron’s first state visit to the UK, with the last French president to partake in a state visit being President Nicolas Sarkozy back in March 2008, when he was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor.
The state visit will see significant portions of it being hosted at Windsor Castle due to ongoing renovations at Buckingham Palace. As a result, traditional events such as the state banquet, typically held in the Buckingham Palace ballroom, will be relocated to the castle. The previous state visit by the King and Queen to France in September 2023 was seen as a positive step in strengthening diplomatic ties after Brexit. King Charles received acclaim from the French Senate for his speech in support of Ukraine following the Russian invasion, which was considered “horrifying”.
Such state visits are crucial in bolstering relationships between nations and are often centered on enhancing trade, cultural, and defense ties. The invitation for overseas leaders to visit the King is typically extended on the recommendation of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Looking ahead, US President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential second state visit to the UK, with discussions underway for a visit in September. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously delivered Trump an invitation letter from King Charles during their meeting in Washington back in February
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