Macron, Starmer honor wartime leaders
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly laid wreaths at the statues of Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle in London, marking a significant moment of Franco-British unity during Macron's state visit to the United Kingdom. Accompanied by their spouses, Lady Victoria Starmer and Brigitte Macron, the ceremonies took place at Parliament Square and Carlton Gardens, respectively.
Earlier in the day, President Macron and Mrs. Macron were welcomed with full ceremonial honors by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, including a carriage procession and a state banquet attended by senior royals and dignitaries.
President Macron addressed the British Parliament, emphasizing the importance of reducing Europe's dependency on the U.S. and China, and advocating for stronger Franco-British cooperation on global challenges such as illegal migration, climate change, and support for Ukraine.
The day's events underscored a renewed commitment to the historic Entente Cordiale, as the UK and France seek to strengthen their partnership in addressing contemporary global issues.
French President Emmanuel Macron attended a dinner with the British Royal Family at Windsor Castle wrapping up the first day of his state visit to the United Kingdom.
King Charles emphasised "the multitude of complex threats" both countries face in his speech at the dinner, while Macron took the opportunity to thank the King for his welcome to Windsor.
The speeches took lighter turns, Macron, who enjoys a strong personal relationship with King Charles, responded to the King's comments on the French baguette with a wink.
The state visit comes sixteen years after the late Queen Elizabeth hosted the-French president Nicolas Sarkozy.
Earlier in the day, the French president was greeted by the Royal Family, including heir-to-the-throne Prince William and his wife, Princess Catherine, before they travelled in horse-drawn carriages for a procession in Windsor.
