King Charles has told French President Emmanuel Macron that the United Kingdom and France must “stand together” in the face of a “multitude of complex threats” that transcend borders and defy isolation.
Speaking at a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, The king said “Today, we are faced by a multitude of complex threats from terrorism to climate change and the misuse of technology emanating from multiple directions and across borders. No fortress can protect us from these challenges.”
In his keynote address, the King will highlight the historic alliance between the two nations and stress that modern threats demand unity and cooperation.
“For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other,” King Charles will say, according to pre-released remarks. He will warn of “complex threats emanating from multiple directions” and challenges “that know no borders, from which no fortress can protect us.”
The King’s speech is expected to emphasise shared values and a “tireless determination” to act on them globally touching on defence, technology, migration, and the existential dangers posed by climate change.
The state visit comes at a key diplomatic moment, as the UK, under new leadership with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, seeks to reset its post-Brexit relationship with European allies. The visit also serves as a soft-power gesture to reassure both publics and partners of the continued strength of the Anglo-French alliance.
Earlier in the day, President Macron and his wife Brigitte were welcomed with full royal ceremony by the King and Queen Camilla, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, at Windsor. The royal reception included a carriage procession, military parade, and a formal greeting on a specially constructed dais in Windsor town centre.
On Thursday, Macron will meet Prime Minister Starmer at a bilateral summit at Downing Street.
Key topics are expected to include defence cooperation, economic growth, and tackling illegal migration, particularly small boat crossings in the English Channel.
France’s former ambassador to the UK, Sylvie Bermann, addressed concerns over Britain’s financial support to stop the crossings, saying, “The UK is paying because we, France, are doing the job for the UK, You can’t prevent all of them, but we are doing our best.”
During their visit, the Macrons will also pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, visiting her tomb and a horse Macron gifted her for her Platinum Jubilee. On Wednesday, President Macron is expected to address UK parliamentarians in a rare speech to the Houses of Parliament.
As the King had done during his own state visit to France in 2023 where he delivered a passionate speech in support of Ukraine and climate action, this week’s visit will again spotlight scientific cooperation. The Macrons are scheduled to visit Imperial College London, where they will view innovations in artificial intelligence and technology.
With Buckingham Palace undergoing renovation, Windsor Castle has taken centre stage for this high-stakes visit. Yet the symbolism remains potent: a reaffirmation of the entente cordiale in an increasingly fractured world.
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