King Charles fulfils Queen Victoria’s wish in landmark speech at State banquet

King Charles has declared that Queen Victoria’s dream of a lasting friendship between Britain and France is “a reality”, as he welcomed President Emmanuel Macron to Windsor Castle for the first French State Visit of his reign.

Speaking at a grand state banquet in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, the King reflected on the personal bonds and political alliances that have linked the two nations for centuries, describing the modern Anglo-French relationship as one of deep affection, strategic cooperation, and shared values.

The king recalled: “Louis-Philippe, King of the French, stayed here as a guest of my great, great, great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, in 1844. 

“That was the first time in 400 years that a reigning French King had visited England. By any standards, that’s a long time to wait for an invitation to dinner! 

“Soon after King Louis-Philippe had left Windsor in 1844,” the King said, “Queen Victoria wrote to him to say, ‘how much we wish to see growing stronger and stronger this Entente Cordiale between our two countries, which exists so happily between us personally.”

“Today, Queen Victoria’s wish is a reality.”

His Majesty’s words came during a speech that wove historical reflection with contemporary relevance, delivered partly in French and with a characteristic touch of humour. 

He highlighted the thousand-year connection between the two nations – beginning with William the Conqueror – as well as the remarkable cultural, political, and military ties that have grown since.

He noted that France is “one of our strongest Allies,” and referenced recent moments of powerful symbolism, including the French Garde Républicaine parading with the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, and British and French troops marching side by side at the Élysée Palace.

The King also hailed the close personal bonds between the two countries’ people, invoking figures like Claude Monet, Jane Birkin, and Thierry Henry as icons of Franco-British cultural fusion.

But the speech was also forward-looking, focused on how Britain and France can lead together in a world facing global threats.

“A millennium ago, this Castle was built to guard the western approach to London. Today, our two countries face a multitude of more complex threats… These challenges know no borders. No fortress can protect us against them this time. Instead, the answer lies in partnership.”

The King outlined several areas of deepening cooperation: supporting Ukraine, tackling terrorism and cybercrime, confronting irregular migration, and working together on AI development and biodiversity protection. He praised President Macron’s leadership on climate issues, including the recent Ocean Summit in Nice, and reiterated their shared commitment to what he called an “Entente pour la Durabilité” – a Sustainability Entente.

In one of the evening’s most striking lines, the King drew the historic evening to a close with a toast: “To France and to our new Entente – an Entente not only past and present, but for the future – and no longer just cordiale, but now amicale.”