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Royal News

The French State Visit is about to begin: here’s what to expect in Windsor

By
8th July 2025
The King with Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales at Trooping the Colour

The State Visit of the President of France is just hours away and Windsor is decked out in flags ahead of the start of one of the most important trips in recent memory.

Pomp and ceremony at start of State Visit

Emmanual Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are set to touch down at Northolt where they will be met by the Prince and Princess of Wales at the start of three days of pomp and ceremony.

The King and Queen greet crowds as they leave Trooping the Colour. Queen Camilla wears a brooch that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
A carriage ride through Windsor will form part of the start of the State Visit by the President of France
(BBC still/ fair use)

The State Visit proper begins in Windsor, at Home Park, with the Macrons arriving there by car with the Prince and Princess.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will be waiting to offer an official welcome.

Gun salutes will sound in Home Park and at the Tower of London.

The King and Queen and Emmanuel Macron will then take part in a carriage ride through Windsor as the French President’s State Visit to the UK gets under way.

Itinerary for the first day of the French State Visit to the UK

King Charles and Queen Camilla will be joined by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, for the ceremonial procession which will take place as the official welcome starts.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will also ride by carriage to Windsor Castle.

The Princess of Wales in white with pearl jewellery at the Order of the Garter service. She took part in a carriage procession following the service.
The Princess of Wales will play a lead role in the State Visit by the President of France
(Stephen Lock/ i-Images)

Gun salutes will sound in Windsor and at the Tower of London on President Macron’s arrival in the Berkshire town. Following the carriage ride, The King and Emmanuel Macron will inspect a Guard of Honour before the Royal Family heads into the castle for lunch.

As is usual, a selection of items linked to the visiting Head of State’s nation will be on show for guests to look at after the meal.

State Visit in London and Windsor

King Charles will then bid a brief farewell to his special guest as the President of France travels to London to address parliamentarians at the Palace of Westminster. He’ll also hold meetings with the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, and with the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey.

Itinerary for the first day of the French State Visit to the UK

President Macron then returns to Windsor Castle where he will be staying.

In the evening of day one, King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a glittering State Banquet in honour of President and Madame Macron at Windsor Castle.

The Royal Family is set to join them for the event which will see both King Charles and President Macron make speeches.

Full coverage of the State Visit on Royal Central.

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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.