Latest news with #Francophile
Bangkok Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Macron turns to politics on second day of UK visit
WINDSOR, England - French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Britain turned to politics Wednesday as London is expected to press Paris for new measures to curb undocumented immigration. The number of migrants arriving on England's southern coast via small boats from northern France is a major political issue for Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer is expected to push the French leader to do more to stop the crossings when the two leaders meet over lunch at the prime minister's 10 Downing Street residence. London hopes to strike a 'one in, one out' deal to send small boat migrants back to the continent, in exchange for the UK accepting asylum seekers in Europe who have a British link, the domestic PA news agency reported. After he took power a year ago, Starmer promised to 'smash the gangs' getting thousands of migrants onto the small boats, only to see numbers rise to record levels. More than 21,000 migrants have crossed from northern France to southeast England in rudimentary vessels this year, providing a massive headache for Starmer as the far-right soars in popularity. In a speech to parliament on Tuesday, Macron promised to deliver on measures to cut the number of migrants crossing the English Channel, describing the issue as a 'burden' to both countries. He said France and the UK had a 'shared responsibility to address irregular migration with humanity, solidarity and fairness'. The talks at Downing Street come after a first day dominated by pomp and a warm welcome from King Charles III and members of the royal family. Tuesday's royal welcome from King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla included a horse-drawn carriage procession, a 41-gun salute and a sumptuous banquet at Windsor Castle, west of London, for the president and his wife Brigitte. 'Entente amicale' The Macrons began the second day of their visit by paying their respects at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor's St George's Chapel. Macron then discussed biodiversity issues with the king during a stroll in the castle grounds before he bade farewell to his host and headed to central London. This is the first state visit by a French president to Britain since Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008 and the first by a European Union head of state since Brexit in 2020. After Britain's acrimonious departure from the European Union, the two countries smoothed post-Brexit tensions in 2023 during a state visit by the famously Francophile king and a summit with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in France. At Tuesday evening's banquet, Charles used a speech to around 160 guests — including royals, Starmer and music icons Elton John and Mick Jagger — to warn that the two nations' alliance was as crucial as ever amid a 'multitude of complex threats'. Charles concluded by toasting a new UK-France 'entente… no longer just cordiale, but now amicale', prompting Macron to laud 'this entente amicale that unites our two fraternal peoples in an unwavering alliance'. Hours earlier, in a speech to parliament, the French president had adopted a similar tone, saying that the two countries must work together to defend the post-World War II 'international order'. On Wednesday morning, Macron was also due to meet entrepreneurs and scientists working on artificial intelligence at Imperial College London. Later, the French president will also visit the British Museum to formally announce the loan of the famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman conquest of England. On Wednesday evening Macron will meet with the business community at a dinner held in his honour at the Guildhall, a historic building in the City of London, the capital's financial district, with 650 guests in attendance.
Int'l Business Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Macron Turns To Politics On Second Day Of UK State Visit
French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Britain turned to politics Wednesday as London is expected to press Paris for new measures to curb undocumented immigration. The number of migrants arriving on England's southern coast via small boats from northern France is a major political issue for Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer is expected to push the French leader to do more to stop the crossings when the two leaders meet over lunch at the prime minister's 10 Downing Street residence. London hopes to strike a "one in, one out" deal to send small boat migrants back to the continent, in exchange for the UK accepting asylum seekers in Europe who have a British link, the domestic PA news agency reported. After he took power a year ago, Starmer promised to "smash the gangs" getting thousands of migrants onto the small boats, only to see numbers rise to record levels. More than 21,000 migrants have crossed from northern France to southeast England in rudimentary vessels this year, providing a massive headache for Starmer as the far-right soars in popularity. In a speech to parliament Tuesday, Macron promised to deliver on measures to cut the number of migrants crossing the English Channel, describing the issue as a "burden" to both countries. He said France and the UK had a "shared responsibility to address irregular migration with humanity, solidarity and fairness". The talks at Downing Street come after a first day dominated by pomp and a warm welcome from King Charles III and members of the royal family. Tuesday's royal welcome from King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla included a horse-drawn carriage procession, a 41-gun salute and a sumptuous banquet at Windsor Castle, west of London, for the president and his wife Brigitte. The Macrons began the second day of their visit by paying their respects at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor's St George's Chapel. Macron then discussed biodiversity issues with the king during a stroll in the castle grounds before he bade farewell to his host and headed to central London. This is the first state visit by a French president to Britain since Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008 and the first by a European Union head of state since Brexit in 2020. After Britain's acrimonious departure from the European Union, the two countries smoothed post-Brexit tensions in 2023 during a state visit by the famously Francophile king and a summit with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in France. At Tuesday evening's banquet, Charles used a speech to around 160 guests -- including royals, Starmer and music icons Elton John and Mick Jagger -- to warn that the two nations' alliance was as crucial as ever amid a "multitude of complex threats". Charles concluded by toasting a new UK-France "entente... no longer just cordiale, but now amicale", prompting Macron to laud "this entente amicale that unites our two fraternal peoples in an unwavering alliance". Hours earlier, in a speech to parliament, the French president had adopted a similar tone, saying that the two countries must work together to defend the post-World War II "international order". On Wednesday morning, Macron was also due to meet entrepreneurs and scientists working on artificial intelligence at Imperial College London. On Wednesday evening Macron will meet with the business community at a dinner held in his honour at the Guildhall, a historic building in the City of London, the capital's financial district, with 650 guests in attendance. The issue of Channel migration is a headache for Starmer as the far-right soars in popularity AFP Macron discussed biodiversity issues with the king during a stroll in the castle grounds AFP King Charles said the two nations' alliance was as crucial as ever amid a 'multitude of complex threats' AFP
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kisses, handshakes: British royals host friendly state visit for French president
There were protocol-compliant hugs, kisses and firm handshakes Tuesday as the visibly delighted Macrons received an affectionate welcome from King Charles III and his wife Camilla on the first state to Britain by a French president in 17 years. The French first couple Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte garnered a full quota of royal pomp as Charles and Camilla's guests at the historic Windsor Castle, west of London Francophile Charles and Macron have already met several times in recent years and enjoy a good relationship. Underlining their ease in each other's company at the start of the visit -- before it takes a more political turn with an address to parliament -- their exchanges were demonstrably friendly and natural, despite the meticulously regulated protocol. At their side, their wives Brigitte, wearing a white dress, and Queen Camilla in a bright green outfit appeared equally comfortable as they kissed each other. Around noon, after a band played the French national anthem, the Marseillaise, the two couples climbed into royal carriages. The king and Macron, both sporting blue suits, travelled in one while their spouses were in a second. Behind the first couples, heir-to-the-throne Prince William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, followed. After that came French culture minister Rachida Dati and defence minister Sebastien Lecornu. The scene had a touch of deja vu for Dati who previously accompanied former president Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni in 2008. - Good rapport - A large crowd of Windsor residents and tourists lined the way behind security barriers. "It is really good, it is much nicer than going to London... it is a nice place to have a state visit," said Suzanne Gardener, a 64-year-old retiree who came with her husband to watch the procession. Windsor and its castle, about 30 miles (48 kilometres) west of London, was a favoured residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth, who is buried in the castle's St George's Chapel, was known to favour the property over Buckingham Palace in central London which is currently undergoing renovations. "I hope he (Macron) enjoys it, and his wife as well... I think they all get along well," added Gardener. Arriving in the castle courtyard, the Marseillaise was played again by a regiment of the Scots Guards resplendent in their their famous tall bearskin hats, followed by God Save the King. Then king, queen, the Macrons, William and Catherine then disembarked and took their positions for a royal salute. The French president and the king then inspected the troops, as planes flew noisily over the castle which is located not far from Heathrow Airport. - Red eye - Charles nursed a visibly red eye, the result of a burst blood vessel, according to the palace. As the two leaders prepared to join their wives, the French president narrowly avoided a breach of protocol when he nearly grabbed the king by the shoulder. Meanwhile, Brigitte and Camilla chatted, smiling and clearly enjoying each other's company. The three couples then headed for lunch at Windsor before they will be reunited for a state banquet on Tuesday evening, with around 150 guests. The presence at the banquet of Catherine, also known as Kate, who is recovering from cancer, has not been officially confirmed by the palace. Dressed in a pale pink Dior jacket and dress ensemble, the princess earlier accompanied Prince William to an airbase west of London to personally welcome the Macrons. vl-mhc/har/jj/giv
Int'l Business Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Kisses, Handshakes: British Royals Host Friendly State Visit For French President
There were protocol-compliant hugs, kisses and firm handshakes Tuesday as the visibly delighted Macrons received an affectionate welcome from King Charles III and his wife Camilla on the first state to Britain by a French president in 17 years. The French first couple Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte garnered a full quota of royal pomp as Charles and Camilla's guests at the historic Windsor Castle, west of London Francophile Charles and Macron have already met several times in recent years and enjoy a good relationship. Underlining their ease in each other's company at the start of the visit -- before it takes a more political turn with an address to parliament -- their exchanges were demonstrably friendly and natural, despite the meticulously regulated protocol. At their side, their wives Brigitte, wearing a white dress, and Queen Camilla in a bright green outfit appeared equally comfortable as they kissed each other. Around noon, after a band played the French national anthem, the Marseillaise, the two couples climbed into royal carriages. The king and Macron, both sporting blue suits, travelled in one while their spouses were in a second. Behind the first couples, heir-to-the-throne Prince William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, followed. After that came French culture minister Rachida Dati and defence minister Sebastien Lecornu. The scene had a touch of deja vu for Dati who previously accompanied former president Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni in 2008. A large crowd of Windsor residents and tourists lined the way behind security barriers. "It is really good, it is much nicer than going to London... it is a nice place to have a state visit," said Suzanne Gardener, a 64-year-old retiree who came with her husband to watch the procession. Windsor and its castle, about 30 miles (48 kilometres) west of London, was a favoured residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth, who is buried in the castle's St George's Chapel, was known to favour the property over Buckingham Palace in central London which is currently undergoing renovations. "I hope he (Macron) enjoys it, and his wife as well... I think they all get along well," added Gardener. Arriving in the castle courtyard, the Marseillaise was played again by a regiment of the Scots Guards resplendent in their their famous tall bearskin hats, followed by God Save the King. Then king, queen, the Macrons, William and Catherine then disembarked and took their positions for a royal salute. The French president and the king then inspected the troops, as planes flew noisily over the castle which is located not far from Heathrow Airport. Charles nursed a visibly red eye, the result of a burst blood vessel, according to the palace. As the two leaders prepared to join their wives, the French president narrowly avoided a breach of protocol when he nearly grabbed the king by the shoulder. Meanwhile, Brigitte and Camilla chatted, smiling and clearly enjoying each other's company. The three couples then headed for lunch at Windsor before they will be reunited for a state banquet on Tuesday evening, with around 150 guests. The presence at the banquet of Catherine, also known as Kate, who is recovering from cancer, has not been officially confirmed by the palace. Dressed in a pale pink Dior jacket and dress ensemble, the princess earlier accompanied Prince William to an airbase west of London to personally welcome the Macrons. The king travelled with French President Emmanuel Macron in one carriage AFP Arriving in the castle courtyard, the Marseillaise was played again by a regiment of the Scots Guards AFP Dressed in a pale pink Dior jacket and dress ensemble, Catherine, Princess of Wales and her husband Prince William greeted the Macrons at an airbase west of London AFP
Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
The King and Macron reunite for another love-in
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.
