King Charles and Queen Camilla commenced their highly anticipated three-day State Visit to France today, greeted with warmth and pageantry upon their arrival in Paris.
The royal couple touched down at Paris Orly airport shortly before 2 pm, making use of a private chartered flight from Farnborough. Their mode of travel, affectionately nicknamed the ‘baby Voyager’ Airbus plane, carried them to their French destination, where they were formally received by the French Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne, representing President Macron and the French government.
Joining the welcoming committee were James Cleverly, the UK’s foreign secretary, Dame Menna Rawlings, the UK’s ambassador to France, and Hélène Tréheux-Duchêne, the French Ambassador to the UK.
Queen Camilla brought a dash of vibrant color to the occasion, donning an elegant dusky pink wool crepe coat dress designed by Fiona Clare. Atop her head sat a pink beret-shaped hat, masterfully crafted by renowned milliner Philip Treacy. Her grace in managing her hat amid blustery conditions drew admiration as they strolled along a meticulously groomed red carpet.
Following their arrival, the royal pair embarked on a journey in the State Bentley to the iconic Arc de Triomphe, where they received a warm welcome from President Macron, 45, and his spouse Brigitte, 70. The purpose of their visit to this landmark was to participate in a solemn ceremony of remembrance and wreath-laying.
During their interaction at the Arc de Triomphe, there was a jovial moment as President Macron engaged in lighthearted banter with Queen Camilla, who was striving to keep her hat securely in place.
Earlier, President Macron and Madame Macron had conveyed their warm regard for the British monarch by posting a heartfelt video tribute, which featured Charles during his visits to France over the years. The message conveyed, “You visited as a Prince, you return as a King. Your Majesty, welcome.”
As the King and the President jointly laid the wreath, the air forces of both nations orchestrated a magnificent fly-past, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of the renowned Parisian landmark. This poignant ceremony also featured a symbolic moment when Charles was invited by the President to kindle the eternal flame at the monument, an enduring symbol of tribute to those who perished in the First and Second World Wars.
Following this solemn engagement, King Charles is scheduled to engage in discussions with President Macron before attending a grand black-tie soirée at the splendid Palace of Versailles. Joining the royal couple at this illustrious event will be none other than the legendary Sir Mick Jagger.
