It seemed almost symbolic: As Queen Camilla walked down the gangway at Orly Airport in Paris, her pink hat, which not coincidentally resembled a beret, was almost blown away by a powerful blast of French air. And also both countries – Great Britain and France, Charles III. went on a three-day visit with his wife and experienced truly eventful times.
State-bearing ceremonies at the triumphal arch
After the royal couple was received by French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne (dressed in pink), the British visitor met Head of State Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. To honor the dead of both world wars, people paused at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. French and British aerobatic pilots rounded off the ceremony. In the evening, a state banquet was held in the magnificent Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.
Plenty of pomp for the “Grande Nation”, which has become socially unstable, as France’s opposition made the head of state very clear in advance. In March, the trip to France, which was actually planned as Charles’ first visit as king, was postponed: At that time, the people were up in arms about pension reform – and since then, Macron and his policies have hardly become more popular.
For Charles III it is a diplomatic visit – the aim is to smooth things over between two historically close neighbors. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson caused ongoing irritation in the EU heartland France for years – and things didn’t exactly ease after Brexit. “The problem for Charles: You don’t see specifically what he brings home from a visit. It’s quiet and thankless diplomacy,” says British political scientist Melanie Sully, assessing the visit.
Conversations about hot topics of the time
Even if Charles III. and Macron will discuss the state of the world: The British King is not a politician and therefore has no answers to the burning problems in his homeland: Contrary to the promises of the British government, waiting times in hospitals continue to rise. Millions are waiting for routine treatment, plus a historic strike by doctors. And there are many other construction sites.
Both countries have always robustly defended national interests; fishing licenses, for example, are a constant issue. According to the Elysée Palace, they meet to “strengthen the bonds.” “Visiting as a prince, returning as a king, welcome your majesty!” Macron sprinkled roses in advance. After all, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s conservative cabinet has so far hardly moved away from EU regulations despite Brexit. One or two sips of French organic wine should enhance the state visit, it was said.
2023-09-20 14:06:40
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