Reuters. King Charles welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to Britain on Tuesday (July 8) for the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit, their warm greeting symbolising the return of closer ties between the two countries.
Macron, treated to a British state visit for the first time, enjoys a strong personal relationship with the king, and there were smiles as the pair met alongside their wives Brigitte and Queen Camilla, watched over by soldiers on horseback, in ceremonial uniform of blue tunics and scarlet plumes.
Charles is expected to emphasise "the multitude of complex threats" both countries face when he speaks at the castle later, while Macron posted on X on his arrival that "there is so much we can build together".
Accompanied by heir to the throne Prince William, and his wife Princess Catherine, the group climbed into several horse-drawn carriages for a procession in Windsor which finished in the medieval castle's courtyard, west of London.
Before heading to London on Tuesday afternoon to address parliament, Macron joined Charles to inspect the Guard of Honour. He was due to have lunch with the family and tour the Royal Collection, paintings and furniture amassed by the Windsors over the centuries.
Later the French President visited London's Westminster Abbey on Tuesday (July 8), and laid wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
Since the election of Prime Minister Keir Starmer last year, Britain has been trying to reset ties with European allies, and King Charles will want to play his part in setting the tone of the visit before the political talks get underway.
