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

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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

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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

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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

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Air kiss

Macron hovered over Kate’s hand for the air kiss.

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The King’s eye

Despite a burst blood vessel in his eye, Charles soldiered on for the visit.

6/18

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A close-up

Look away if you’re squeamish! The veseel burst in the monarch’s right eye (left in the picture).

7/18

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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.

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The Macrons arrive

While Macron only gave Kate an air kiss, Charles kissed Brigitte on the hand when he met the French pair.

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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

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Camilla and Brigitte

While Charles and Macron rode in the first carriage, Camilla and Brigitte followed them in  the second.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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Royal collection

Charles, Camilla and Macrons were shown objects in the Royal Collection that have French links following lunch.

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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.