Prince William and Princess Kate step into statesman roles to receive French President – live updates
The Prince and Princess of Wales met the Macrons at RAF Northolt
© Getty
Tender embrace
The Princess of Wales was pictured placing a tender arm around her husband William’s back in a rare display of affection. How sweet!’
French President Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron have touched down for the first day of their state visit at RAF Northolt, where they were immediately received by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The royal couple stepped into their statesmanlike role with ease as they greeted the French leader and his wife after they disembarked from their plane. William looked smart in a stylish suit for the meeting, while Kate was gorgeous in a beautiful 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket from Christian Dior’s 2024 collection. She accessoried with a pearl necklace that belonged to the late Queen and earrings once worn by the late Princess Diana.
The entourage then travelled down to Windsor, to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla. Charles sustained a burst blood vessel in his eye before meeting the visiting couple at the Royal Dais, Datchet Road.
© Stephen Chung/LNP/Shutterstock
The state visit will take place until Thursday
Also on the agenda for Tuesday are an inspection of the Guard of Honour, which will be conducted by Charles and Macron, alongside a viewing of the military rank before enjoying a march past. There was also a carriage ride through the town to Windsor Castle.
This was followed by a lunch inside Windsor Castle before the French couple were invited to view items in the Royal Collection that have a link to their homeland.
© Getty Images
The French President and his wife will conduct several engagements
Macron and his wife will then carry out solo engagements in London, including a visit to the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and a trip to the House of Parliament, where Mr Macron will address members of both houses.
The main highlight of the first day will be a State Banquet hosted in the evening. During the meal, both Charles and Macron will address guests.
See below for the best photos from the day…
1/18
© Getty Images
Arrival
Kate and William met the French president and his wife as they arrived in RAF Northolt. Kate looked magical in a Christian Dior outfit, a nod to their guests.
2/18
© Getty Images
More outfit details
Kate wore a stylish pair of earrings from William’s late mother, Princess Diana. Her pearl necklace was previously worn by the late Queen.
3/18
© Getty Images
Greeting the Macrons
As he greeted the royal couple, Macron warmly shook his hand and firmly gripped his arm as they chatted. When it came to the Princess, he took her hand and blew an air kiss towards it.
4/18
© POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Air kiss
Macron hovered over Kate’s hand for the air kiss.
5/18
© Getty Images
The King’s eye
Despite a burst blood vessel in his eye, Charles soldiered on for the visit.
6/18
© Getty Images
A close-up
Look away if you’re squeamish! The veseel burst in the monarch’s right eye (left in the picture).
7/18
© Getty Images
Gorgeous in green
Camilla looked radiant for the day, wearing a bright emerald green chiffon dress by Anna Valentine and a hat by Philip Treacy. She also added a brooch worn by the late Queen.
8/18
© Getty Images
The Macrons arrive
While Macron only gave Kate an air kiss, Charles kissed Brigitte on the hand when he met the French pair.
9/18
© Getty Images
Carriage ride
After the national anthems were played, Charles and Macron were transported around Windsor in the State Landau.
The carriage is specifically designed for major ceremonial services.
10/18
© Getty Images
Camilla and Brigitte
While Charles and Macron rode in the first carriage, Camilla and Brigitte followed them in the second.
11/18
© Getty Images
The third carriage
William and Kate were in the third carriage and the royal couple were joined by Sebastien Lecornu and Rachida Dati, France’s Armed Forces and Culture Ministers respectively.
12/18
© Getty Images
Inspection time
A booming 41-gun Royal Salute thundered simultaneously from two locations — historic Windsor Castle and the Tower of London — announcing President Macon’s arrival.
At Windsor Castle’s Quadrangle, the Guard of Honour, formed by the prestigious Grenadier and Scots Guards, stood in perfect formation, ready for inspection.
13/18
© Getty Images
Troop inspection
Adding a touch of diplomatic flair, Major Jake Sayers of the Grenadier Guards extended a personal invitation to the President, speaking to him in fluent French, to inspect the troops.
14/18
© Samir Hussein/WireImage
Ceremonial welcome
More than 950 personnel from the British Armed Forces, including the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, and Royal Air Force, took part in the ceremony, supported by 70 horses.
The parade was led by Major General James Bowder, General Officer Commanding the Household Division.
15/18
© Getty
Tender embrace
The Princess of Wales was pictured placing a tender arm around her husband William’s back in a rare display of affection. How sweet!
16/18
© Getty Images
Gallant Charles
King Charles was pictured kissing Mme Macron’s hand in a formal gesture of welcome.
Meanwhile, in a display of military cooperation, paratroopers from France’s 11e Brigade Parachutiste conducted joint low-level parachute jumps with the UK’s 16 Air Assault Brigade over RAF Brize Norton.
The exercise highlighted the close operational relationship between the two countries under the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force, established in 2013.
17/18
© Getty Images
Royal collection
Charles, Camilla and Macrons were shown objects in the Royal Collection that have French links following lunch.
18/18
© Getty Images
Duchess of Edinburgh’s surprise appearance
The Duchess of Edinburgh made a surprise appearance at the event where she was seen viewing some of the items.
News
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has swapped his 30-room mansion for a modest two-bedroom caravan — now sitting in the garden of his Norfolk residence…
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor goes from Grade II mansion to two-bed caravan as static unit arrives at Marsh Farm Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has swapped his Grade II 30-room Royal Lodge mansion for a pre-owned two-bed static caravan costing £26,000, which now sits propped…
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are taking a dramatic step behind the scenes — one that could either save their marriage… or change everything…
Princess Beatrice and Edo Mozzi are mulling over a move to the US to get marriage back on track and escape her parents’ Epstein scandal There can be little doubt that the lives of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s children have been profoundly…
CAMERA CAUGHT — Princess Catherine’s Unusual Gesture During Church Service Sparks Questions — And William’s Reaction Says It All
Princess Kate pictured making unusual gesture during church service with Prince William The Princess of Wales joined her husband Prince William for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s installation at the Kent cathedral on Wednesday © Getty Images The Princess of Wales was impeccably…
Christiane Amanpour Faces Cancer Again — And Her Strength Is Inspiring Millions
Christiane Amanpour, the British-Iranian journalist and CNN’s Chief International Anchor, has confirmed that her battle with cancer has returned for the third time. However, in a heartfelt and powerful message, she assured her viewers that her condition is being “very…
After 18 Years, NCIS Just Lost a Legend — And Fans Are Still in Shock
CIS fans have been left shocked after a huge plot twist saw a major character killed off in episode 13 of season 23, which aired on Tuesday. Marking its 500th episode, the hit police procedural delivered a dramatic instalment and, while…
The Other Bennet Sister Is Flipping Jane Austen’s World — And Fans Are Hooked
LONDON — For over two centuries, she was the punchline. The awkward middle sister with the “regrettable” spectacles and the poorly-timed piano solos. But this March, Mary Bennet has finally stepped out of Elizabeth’s shadow, and the results are leaving…
End of content
No more pages to load
