King Charles to welcome Macron on historic state visit starting today

The King will reflect on 1,000 years of "shared history and culture" with the UK's closest continental neighbour as he welcomes the French President and the First Lady for a three-day state visit today.

Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron will touch down in London this morning before travelling with the Prince and Princess of Wales to Windsor, where they will receive a full ceremonial welcome.

Highlights will include a carriage procession through the town, a military parade, and the French President's address to Parliament.

This evening, the King and Queen will host some 150 guests for a state banquet at Windsor Castle's St George's Hall where both Charles and Macron will deliver speeches.

The King is expected to reflect on France and the UK's shared history and speak fondly of the friendship forged between the two couples over the years, especially during Their Majesties' state visit to France in September 2023.

The 76-year-old monarch, who continues to undergo cancer treatment, will say that: "For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other and, for his own part, how he remains 'in awe of France's extraordinary attributes and achievements."

He will also state that this partnership remains vital in facing the many challenges of today, saying that "our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions. As friends and as allies, we face them together.

"These challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time."

The King will state that Britain and France can help lead the way in confronting them, because: "Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world."

State visits are an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, as the Royal Family rolls out an impressive display of pomp and pageantry.

The visit has been hailed as a symbol of "cordial detente" after Brexit, celebrating the return of close political relations between London and Paris.

Macron is the first European leader to be invited for a state visit since the King ascended the throne in September 2021.

The visit is likely to be a blueprint for US President Donald Trump's visit, which is set to take place in September.