The British King, Charles III, and the French President, Emmanuel Macron, have reached a new stage in Franco-British relations in a historic three-day state visit. Charles III’s journey began with a ceremony at the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, followed by a meeting at the Elysee Palace with President Macron and a gala dinner at the Palace of Versailles, which symbolizes the greatness of the former French monarchy.

Although the visit has elements of pomp and protocol, its political relevance cannot be denied. After the death of Queen Elizabeth II a year ago, Charles III ascended the throne in an England that, at the time, was still unsure whether France was friend or foe. During the Brexit process, some British leaders, such as Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, have directed criticism at Macron, holding him responsible for challenges in the divorce process in Brussels. However, with the arrival of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister, the door was opened to a pragmatic and less tense relationship between the two countries, and Charles III’s visit was the high point of this reconciliation.

The visit aims to show that, despite political differences, there are strong cultural ties between the two countries. President Macron has asked Charles III to book his first state visit to France after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, before Germany became a top destination due to protests in Paris over a controversial pension reform that raised the retirement age and was approved by decree.

The cancellation of a visit in March due to protests against pension reform was a setback for Macron. However, in France’s current political climate, Charles III’s visit did not cause much turmoil. During his tour of the Champs-Elysées, which in the past has been the scene of violent yellow vest protests, there was a notable absence of crowds.

Charles III’s visit also included a central event at the Palace of Versailles, which caused controversy in France due to concerns about inflation and the population’s economic hardship. Macron highlighted nostalgia for monarchy in the French Republic and his desire to find a symbolic replacement for a king since the French Revolution.

The gala dinner at Versailles was attended by many guests, including prominent figures and Francophiles, underlining the symbolic importance of the event and the long-standing relationship between France and England.

This state visit is an important milestone in relations between the UK and France and highlights the importance of maintaining friendship and collaboration between the two countries despite past political differences. @mundiario

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