2 days ago
King Charles to honour 1,000 years of British-French friendship as he welcomes President Macron to Windsor - and warns of threats that 'know no borders' in powerful State Banquet speech
The King will pay tribute to 1,000 years of 'shared history' between Britain and France as he hosts President Macron for a State Visit at Windsor Castle today.
Charles will also highlight the 'multitude of complex threats' faced by the two countries which, he will say, we tackle together 'as friends and allies' in his speech at a glittering State Banquet.
Intriguingly, the monarch will also reference the challenges both counties are facing that 'know no borders', according to Buckingham Palace.
Sources advised it would be wrong to say it that this is reference to the channel crossings and small boats issue, but added that the king he is referring to a 'multitude' of threats to Britain and France's shared values touching on - not not limited to - defence, technology and climate change. Ukraine will also be at the forefront of his mind.
In his speech the King will say: 'For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other'.
He will also reference how he personally remains 'in awe of France's extraordinary attributes and achievements.'
Charles will also state that this partnership remains vital in facing the many challenges of today, saying that 'our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions. As friends and as allies, we face them together.'
'These challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time'.
He will emphasise that Britain and France can help lead the way in confronting these issues, because: 'Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world.'
The visit is being held at the request of the British government which is determined to 'reset' the country's relations with its European partners post Brexit.
And the king's effusive speech leaves little doubt that President Macron and his wife, First Lady Brigitte Macron, will be welcomed with open arms.
The couple will be greeted at RAF Northolt by the Prince and Princess of Wales and enjoy a carriage ride through Windsor before a full ceremonial welcome at the medieval castle.
The visit comes after the King called on the nation to remember the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' displayed in the aftermath of the 'senseless evil' of the July 7 terrorist attacks in London.
Extreme Islamist suicide bombers struck on three Tube trains and a bus that morning in 2005, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770.
In a message to mark today's 20th anniversary of the atrocities, Charles praised those 'who rushed towards danger to help strangers' and said comfort can be taken from the 'spirit of unity' which allowed the nation to heal afterwards.
Meanwhile Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, writing in the Sunday Mirror, warned that Islamic extremism remains 'the greatest threat' in Britain.
She also praised the work of anti-radicalisation programmes, adding: 'Communities across the nation were determined that hatred would not win. The work done at that time has endured and evolved.'
Last night the monarch asked that the country continues to work towards building a society 'of all faiths and backgrounds' in order to stand against 'those who seek to divide us'.
He said: 'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of July 7, 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day.
'We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil, and the enduring grief of their loved ones.'
