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Royal News

Pomp and pageantry as King Charles welcomes President of France for State Visit

By
8th July 2025
King Charles and Queen Camilla welcome President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, to Windsor

The King has welcomed the President of France for a State Visit.

King Charles oversaw an official welcome for President Macron at Windsor after the French Head of State was greeted on arrival at RAF Northolt by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

A charming gesture by Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Macron bowed to kiss the hand of the Princess of Wales as she met him at the steps of his plane.

President Emmanuel Macron of France kisses the hand of the Princess of Wales as he arrives for his State Visit
President Macron kisses the hand of the Princess of Wales on arrival at Northolt (BBC still/ fair use)

The Prince and Princess of Wales travelled by car with President and Mrs Macron to Windsor Home Park where King Charles and Queen Camilla were waiting for the official welcome.

Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron smile and chat at the start of the French State Visit to the UK. Queen Camilla wore bright green while Mrs Macron is in white.
Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron were all smiles as the official welcome got under way (i-Images/ Pool)

The King and Queen greeted the French President warmly and all stood for the national anthems in a short ceremony filled with pomp.

Carriage procession for King Charles and Emmanuel Macron

His Majesty then joined President Macron in the 1902 State Landau for a carriage ride through Windsor.

King Charles and Emmanuel Macron arrive at Windsor Castle in the 1902 State Landau at the start of the State Visit to the UK
Sergeant Rob Kane/UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025

There were good crowds for the royal procession which saw Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron follow in a semi-state landau.

Queen Camilla rides in a semi state landau with Brigitte Macron at the start of the French State Visit to the UK. The Queen is wearing bright emerald green.
Sgt Donald C Todd/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025

The Prince and Princess of Wales were in an Ascot Landau for the parade.

The Prince and Princess of Wales ride in an Ascot Landau at the start of the French State Visit to the UK
Sgt Donald C Todd/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025

As The King’s carriage swept into the Inner Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, La Marseillaise was played followed by the National Anthem.

The King and President Macron then inspected a Guard of Honour.

King Charles III and President Macron inspect a Guard of Honour at the Start of the French State Visit to the UK
Sergeant Rob Kane/UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025

The official welcome came to a close with lunch inside the castle where the Royal Family welcomed the French President before seeing an exhibition of items from the Royal Collection.

The Princess of Wales wears pale pink Dior as she stands in front of red, white and blue flowers at the official welcome at the start of the State Visit to the UK by President Macron of France
The Princess of Wales wore Dior for the start of the State Visit
(Sgt Donald C Todd/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025)

President Macron and Brigitte Macron are set to be guests of honour at a State Banquet at Windsor later as the State Visit continues.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.