The King and Macron reunite for another love-in

Telegraph

08-07-2025

State visits are often something to be endured (think Xi Jinping), but in the case of Emmanuel Macron the King will genuinely be looking forward to playing host at Windsor Castle.
The monarch's relationship with the French president is far deeper than a professional one: it is personal, warm and built on mutual respect.
Those who have observed the two at close quarters say they love to chat about French culture, for which both have a passion, as well as environmental matters, which is a lifelong crusade for each of them.
One source close to the King said: 'There are some people that you meet that you just click with, and the president is one of those people for the King.'
Mr Macron has been the president of France since 2017 and met the King several times when he was still Prince of Wales, so the two were already firm friends by the time Charles ascended the throne in 2022.
His Majesty is a lifelong Francophile and speaks French fluently, with a love of French art, music and theatre, meaning he is predisposed to get on with any of the country's leaders – but there is nothing forced about his easy friendship with Mr Macron.
'The King thoroughly enjoyed his state visit to France in 2023, and so much of it was built on the interests that the King and the president share,' said the same source. 'It's a relationship that extends beyond the formal and the required into one of personal bonhomie.
'The King loves French culture, history, and has huge admiration for the French people, which all feeds into it.
'He was also touched by Mr Macron's tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, when he said that to us she was our Queen but to the French she was the Queen. Those sorts of things matter, and they are the personal touches on which relationships are built.'
The body language between the two men tells its own story. Mr Macron often puts an arm around the King's back or grips him on the upper arm – something Michelle Obama was criticised for doing to the late Queen, but which the King clearly has no problem with.
Both men will be keen to take advantage of the international media coverage of the state visit to show the watching world – and particularly EU countries – that Britain's relationship with France remains strong in the post-Brexit world, and His Majesty will almost certainly speak in French for part of his speech at Tuesday night's state banquet at Windsor Castle.
It is the first post-Brexit state visit by any European leader, and the first for a French president since 2008, making it historic as well as symbolic.
He may also make reference to both countries' support for Ukraine, but anything overtly political, such as the row over France's contribution to stopping migrant boats crossing the channel, will be reserved for Mr Macron's meetings with Sir Keir Starmer.
The Queen also gets on well with Mr Macron's wife Brigitte, who at the age of 72 is the same generation as Camilla, whereas 47-year-old Mr Macron is nearly 30 years younger than the King.
They kissed on both cheeks as Mrs Macron arrived at Windsor on Tuesday, which looked entirely natural rather than awkward.
Mr Macron held the King's elbow with his left hand as he shook hands with his right, and appeared to be in lockstep with him as they moved inside the castle.
Before he touched down in the UK, Mr Macron released a statement in which he said Britain and France were 'two free and proud peoples who never give up' – a sentiment the King would no doubt echo.