THE ESSENTIAL
• King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in France on Wednesday September 20 for a three-day visit, under the sign of Franco-British friendship.
• The royal couple participated in several events on Wednesday, as well as a sumptuous dinner bringing together distinguished guests >> Click here to relive the highlights of the day
• This Thursday, Charles III is expected at the Senate, in Saint-Denis and on the restoration site of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Then, he will go to the Natural History Museum. For her part, Camilla must launch, with Brigitte Macron, the Franco-British literary prize at the National Library.
11:30 a.m. | Meeting with business leaders
The king discusses the economic aspect of his visit and indicates that he will meet, with Emmanuel Macron, French and British business leaders.
If he does not name any boss, he should in particular talk with Bernard Arnaud, boss of LVMH and the richest man in the world, whom he already met at dinner at the Palace of Versailles.
11h25 | World War II and the war in Ukraine
King Charles III returns to General de Gaulle’s historic Appeal of June 18, 1940, recalling “the common determination of our two countries which allowed us to get through these difficult years and led us together to victory”.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the sovereign speaks of “resolute solidarity” of France and the United Kingdom in supporting the Ukrainians and assures that “Ukraine will triumph and our dear freedom will prevail”.
11:20 a.m. | Tribute to Elizabeth II
Moved, Charles III, who alternates between French and English, pays tribute to his mother Elizabeth II. “When my mother died, I was very moved by the tributes paid to her throughout France. I can only thank the French people for having expressed great kindness towards us and that of our people in such a sad time.”
“In the rich and complex relationship between France and the United Kingdom, the golden thread that my mother represented will shine forever. I hope that she inspires us to continue to forge links between our two countries with determination , with hope and with love.”
11:17 a.m. | Charles III speaks in the Senate
The king begins his speech in French and says he is “very touched” by the presence of the 300 parliamentarians.
“The United Kingdom will always be one of France’s closest allies and best friends.”
11:08 a.m. | Gérard Larcher has the floor
The President of the Senate returns to “the unprecedented moment that the British sovereign is making us experience”, recalling that this is the first time that a king or queen has spoken in this chamber.
“In adversity, after many tumults, the prophetic vision of Victor Hugo, who sat here on these benches, was realized: England will always be France’s sister.”
11 a.m. | Yaël Braun-Pivet on the microphone
The President of the National Assembly was the first to speak, describing the reception of Charles III as a “great honour”. She looks forward to the next meeting with the king, in 2024, for the 80th anniversary of the Landings and emphasizes the links between France and the United Kingdom.
Yaël Braun-Pivet recalled that France and the United Kingdom have been “long rivals but for two centuries, have always been allies to defend democracy and human rights.”
10h58 | Ovation pour Charles III
The sovereign, after signing the guestbook of the Senate and that of the National Assembly, descended into the Senate chamber to a round of applause. The President of the National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet and the President of the Senate Gérard Larcher will speak briefly before the king’s speech.
10h45 | The king is expected in the hemicycle
Charles III crosses the Senate square under an umbrella, which is very useful given the weather in Paris. In the hemicycle, the sovereign is expected by 300 parliamentarians for a speech which should last 15-20 minutes.
10h40 | The king’s convoy arrives at the Senate
Charles III and his escort arrive at the Senate in pouring rain. The king must be welcomed by the president of the National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet and the president of the Senate Gérard Larcher.
For this historic visit and speech, the Senate pulled out all the stops and took care of the decor.
10h35 | Queen Camilla arrives at the National Library of France
Camilla is welcomed by Brigitte Macron at the national library of France. Photo AFP Bertrand Guay
Meanwhile, Charles III is on his way to the Senate.
10:30 a.m. | Speech in the Senate, a great first
Charles III is expected at 11 a.m. at the Senate for a speech to parliamentarians. “This is the first time that a British sovereign has spoken in the hemicycle of a French assembly,” it is stated on the Senate website. In 2004, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II spoke in the Senate Conference Room.”
This will be the sovereign’s only public speech during his state visit to France. 300 parliamentarians are expected to attend this speech.
premium “The king’s visit has more weight than that of a Prime Minister”: Charles III in France for three days of state visit
10h15| Hello all
We are delighted to see you again to experience together this second day of visit to France by Charles III and his wife Camilla.
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