Macron and Charles Usher New Era in UK–France Ties
French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his UK state visit with a powerful display of unity alongside King Charles III, emphasising shared responsibility in confronting modern threats.
Speaking at a lavish Windsor Castle banquet, Charles hailed the partnership between the UK and France as a bulwark against “complex threats emanating from multiple directions” . Macron, speaking in the Palace of Westminster, said the allies must “once again show the world that our alliance can make all the difference” .
The visit signals a revival of diplomatic collaboration post-Brexit, focusing on areas like defence cooperation, Channel migration control, Ukraine support, and energy investment. A significant gesture: Macron announced the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum in 2026–27 .
Both leaders reaffirmed European unity, with Macron warning against over-reliance on the US and China and calling for stronger joint investment in defence and technology .
