Macron state visit live: Charles calls on Britain and France to ‘lead the way’ in face of ‘complex threats’

Key Points

• King speaks of co-operation between UK and France in face of 'profound challenges'
• Mick Jagger and Elton John top star-studded guest list for state banquet
• Macron says UK and France will address major challenges such as migration and security
• King experiences burst blood vessel in eye
• William and Kate greet the French president and First Lady as they land
• Explained: What can we expect from this week’s state visit by Emmanuel Macron?

Camilla wears Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire suite

The Queen was dressed in an ivory silk and crepe embroidered evening gown by Fiona Clare, and a sapphire and diamond tiara, necklace, earrings and bracelet, all part of Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire suite.

The Queen was also wearing the Legion d’Honneur French sash, Garter Star and the King’s family order.

Queen Camilla arriving for the state banquet (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

Mick Jagger and Elton John top star-studded guest list for state banquet

Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John topped the star-studded guest list for the French state banquet hosted by the King at Windsor Castle.

The Rolling Stones' front man was joined by his fiancee Melanie Hamrick, while Crocodile Rock singer Sir Elton was accompanied by his husband David Furnish for the opulent royal celebration.

Sir Elton, who is known for hosting his own annual white-tie and tiara charity ball, was among the 160 guests who gathered at the King's royal white-tie affair in honour of French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.

Both musicians have homes in France and Sir Elton also has a home in nearby Old Windsor.

Sir Elton famously sang Candle In The Wind, rewritten as Goodbye England's Rose, at the funeral of the King's first wife Diana, Princess of Wales, and he has a close bond with the Duke of Sussex - Charles's youngest son with whom the King has a troubled relationship.

The state banquet for French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

Celebrity guests seen making their way into vast St George’s Hall for state banquet

Celebrity guests seen making their way into the vast St George’s Hall for the state banquet at Windsor Castle included Rolling Stones’ frontman Sir Mick Jagger, dressed in smart white tie and morning suit, and his fiancee Melanie Hamrick, who wore a glittering silver gown.

Also among the 160 guests were Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish.

Others at the banquet were former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and First Dates’ Fred Sirieix.

Earps was seen shaking hands and laughing with prime minister Sir Keir Starmer before the start of the dinner as they stood and chatted.

Celebrity guests were seen making their way into the vast St George’s Hall for the state banquet at Windsor Castle (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

Kate and William pictured smiling together outside in gardens of Windsor

The Princess of Wales is wearing a dark red silk creponne gathered evening gown, with caped back detailing, designed by Sarah Burton for French fashion house Givenchy, and the Lover's Knot tiara to the French state banquet.

Kate was carrying a lily of the valley embroidered evening clutch and wearing the Rosette of Grand Officier l'ordre nationale du merite, the Royal Family Orders of Charles III and Elizabeth II, the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and GCVO sash and star.

William was dressed in white tie, with the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George, miniature medals and a series of chest orders.

The royal couple were pictured smiling together outside in the gardens of Windsor before the banquet in an image posted on Kensington Palace's social media.

Highlights from day one of Macron's state visit

Watch: Macron makes Brexit joke in address to Parliament during UK state visit

Royal family speaks of 'L’Entente Cordiale in the Kitchens!'

The royal family has spoken of a “L’Entente Cordiale in the Kitchens!”.

In a post on X, alongside a photograph of French chef Raymond Blanc preparing food for the state banquet, they said: “Chef @Raymond_Blanc OBE, an ambassador for the @KingsFdn, was invited to join the chefs at Windsor Castle to create the First Course and Dessert for this evening’s State Banquet menu.”

State banquet hosted in impressive St George's Hall which is largest room in castle

The impressive St George's Hall, where the dinner is being served, is the largest room in the castle at 55.5 metres long (180ft) and nine metres wide (29.5ft), and the 50 metre (164ft) table stretches its full length.

The castle's staff began constructing the mahogany table last Wednesday, and it now set with the elaborate silver gilt Grand Service.

The hall's gothic style ceiling with impressive oak beam roof is studded with the coats of arms of every single Knight of the Garter since the order was founded in 1348.

Its walls and ceiling were decimated in the Windsor Castle fire of 1992 and had to be painstakingly rebuilt.

Delicate seasonal flowers including roses, sweet peas and herbs in a colour scheme of pale pinks, purples and white decorated the table, handpicked from the gardens at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, along with flowers and lavender from The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park, all arranged in silver-gilt centrepieces taken from the Grand Service.

Following the state banquet, the King and Queen and the Macrons and guests will move to the Music Room for a performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

French chef Raymond Blanc involved in creating menu in 'spirit of Entente Cordial'

The King has turned to his friend and King's Foundation ambassador, French chef Raymond Blanc, to put together the state banquet menu in culinary collaboration with the Royal Household, designing the first course and the dessert.

Buckingham Palace described the collaboration as being "in the spirit of the Entente Cordial".

Blanc was in the kitchens at Windsor on Tuesday evening making sure the dishes were served to perfection for President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte and the 160 guests including Charles, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The menu, which was written in French as is the custom for state banquets, begins with a selection of tender summer vegetables from the Gardens of Le Manoir with Sage, Raw Tomato and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing.

The next course is Supreme of Rhug Estate Chicken with Norfolk Asparagus and Tarragon Cream, followed by Iced Blackcurrant Parfait on a Blackcurrant-soaked Sponge with Elderflower Jelly for dessert.

French champagne and special cocktail called L'entente to be served at state banquet

French champagne and a special gin-infused cocktail called L'entente will be served at the state banquet in honour of president of France.

In a tradition started by the King, the cocktail has been created specially for the occasion. It combines British gin with lemon curd and French pastis, garnished with dried French cornflowers and English roses.

The wine list was Domaine Evremond, Classic Cuvee, Edition I, NV; Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Etienne Sauzet, 2022; Chateau Haut-Brion; 1er Grand Cru Classe Pessac-Leognan, 1996; Louis Roederer, Carte Blanche, NV. The English sparkling wine will be used for the toast.

After dinner, guests will be served Taylor's 1977 Vintage Port and a 1948 Grande Champagne Cognac by Frapin & Co, selected to reflect the years of the President's and the King's births in 1977 and 1948.

Macron presses for recognition of Palestine as ‘only path to peace’

Emmanuel Macron pressed for recognition of Palestinian statehood in an address to the UK's Parliament, saying it was the "only path to peace".

The French president said a ceasefire was a matter of "absolute urgency" and that a two-state solution would bring security to the region.

He said: "We are aware that a political way out is crucial, and I believe in the future of the two-state solution as a basis for regional security architecture which will enable Israel to live in peace and security alongside its neighbours.

"But I want to be clear, calling today for a ceasefire in Gaza without any condition, is just telling to the rest of the world that for us as Europeans, there is no double standard, and as we are attached to human lives, as we are attached to territorial integrity, we want the ceasefire, no discussion.

"And today, working together in order to recognise the state of Palestine and to initiate this political momentum is the only path to peace."

President of France Emmanuel Macron addresses MPs and peers in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday (Alistair Grant/PA Wire)

King set to emphasise 'multitude of complex threats' facing Britain and France

King Charles is expected to emphasise "the multitude of complex threats" that both Britain and France face in a speech at a state dinner at Windsor Castle this evening.

Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron posted on social media that "there is so much we can build together".

Mr Macron enjoys a strong personal relationship with the monarch.

The King and President of France Emmanuel Macron arrive for the ceremonial welcome for the state visit to the UK of President Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, at Windsor Castle, Berkshire (PA Wire)

President of France Emmanuel Macron has met with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch on day one of his state visit to the UK.

Mr Macron was also seen speaking with shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel during the meeting at Lancaster House, central London, on Tuesday.

President of France Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

Starmer and Macron lay wreaths by Churchill statue and face hecklers

Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron laid wreaths by the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Westminster following the French President's address to Parliament.

The pair travelled by car from the Palace of Westminster to the statue in Parliament Square, where they laid two wreaths before a British Army bugler played The Last Post.

They were heckled by a small pro-Gaza protest calling for an end to arms sales to Israel and the recognition of Palestine. Members of the public shushed the protesters following The Last Post.

The band of the Welsh Guards then played the national anthems of France and Britain before Sir Keir and Mr Macron departed to lay more wreaths by a statue of Charles De Gaulle.

Mr Macron waved to supporters in the crowd before leaving.

President of France Emmanuel Macron with his wife Brigitte Macron (left) and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, laying a wreath, and Lady Victoria Starmer, as they attend a ceremony at the Statue of Sir Winston Churchill (Carlos Jasso/PA Wire)

Kate to attend first state banquet in two years

The Princess of Wales is to attend her first state banquet in nearly two years.

Kate will join the King, the Queen, the Prince of Wales and some 160 guests at Windsor Castle for the white tie affair, the glittering highlight of the French state visit, on Tuesday evening.

President of France Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are being feted with the opulent display of royal hospitality in the historic St George's Hall.

Kate, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and confirmed she was free from the disease at the start of this year, last made an appearance at a grand royal dinner 20 months ago in November 2023, in honour of the South Korean president.

Last week, she opened up about her "rollercoaster" cancer recovery, its life-changing impact, and putting on a "brave face" during a visit to Colchester Hospital.

Kensington Palace confirmed the princess would be present after she carried out royal duties to mark the start of the state visit earlier in the day, accompanying the Macrons to Windsor with William, taking part in the carriage ride, the ceremonial welcome, the royal luncheon and Royal Collection exhibition.

President lays wreath

French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte laid a wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey.

(Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

Analysis: Migration and Donald Trump set to add frisson to discussions

Watch: Macron jokes Bayeaux Tapestry loan took longer to deliver than Brexit

We must reduce reliance on China and US, Macron warns

Britain and France must reduce risks posed by relying too much on the United States and China for trade, Mr Macron said.

"We will have .... to de-risk our two countries for the excessive dependencies on both the US and China," he said.

UK and France will save Europe by example, French leader says

Mr Macron said a UK-France summit at Downing Street this week will mark a "new stage" in scaling up co-operation between the two countries.

He said: "Our two countries, the only European nuclear weapon states, the leading armed forces of the continent, together accounting for 40% of European military budgets, both fully shoulder the responsibility when it comes to European security.

"And we are faced with new threats, with aggressive nuclear powers, with sometimes hesitating alliances, and the return of major conflict on our continent. This is why, in two days, our summit is so important, and the announcement we prepared so historical.”

He said there was an expectation that the UK and France, "faced with revisionist neighbours" had a "special responsibility for the security of the continent".

He said it was time to "make sure that not only our two countries will save themselves by their own exertions, but also that we will save Europe by our example and our solidarity".

We must protect international order, Macron says

Britain and France must work together to protect the international order, Mr Macron said in his address to Parliament.

"We have to work together in order to defend an efficient multilateralism and to protect the international order," Macron told MPs and peers.

Watch: Macron says France and UK ‘must fix illegal migration burden’

Standing ovation for president

Mr Macron receives a prolonged standing ovation from MPs and lords, after finishing his speech with “long live the United Kingdom, long live France”.

(YouTube)

Macron calls for opportunities for young for virtual exchanges

Mr Macron called for future generations to have more chances to work and study in each other’s countries, in an oblique reference to Brexit.

He said: “Although there are 300,000 French people living in the United Kingdom and 150,000 British people living in France, there has been a decrease in movement in recent years when it comes to school, university, with virtual exchanges.

“And today, there is a risk that our societies are growing apart, that our young people do not know each other as well, and may end up strangers at a time when international current events remind us, on a daily basis of our common future.

“Let's fix it. Let's work together in order to facilitate the exchange of students, researchers, intellectuals, artists. This is so important.

“Let's allow our children to have the same opportunities as the one we had the had.”

Analysis: Macron promises ‘closest cooperation’ on migration - but something is missing

President Emmanuel Macron is listing the political priorities of this trip: economy, defence, Ukraine, Middle East and, crucially, migration, writes David Maddox.

On migration he promised the “closest cooperation ever” to end the small boats.

However, there was something missing.

Mr Macron did not mention the “one in, one out” agreement Sir Keir Starmer is so keen to pen to paper on. The problem is that without it, both countries will struggle to end the irregular migration crisis.

Macron calls for cooperation with other nations to curb illegal migration

On illegal migration, the French president said the UK and France must work with the countries migrants come from and travel through.

“A third of the people entering illegally into the Schengen Area attempt to cross the Channel,” he told MPs and peers.

A lasting and effective solution would be found only by continuing to work with “the countries of departure and transit of global migration groups”, he said.

“Our objective, very clearly, is to have the best cooperation between our two countries in order to fix today what is a burden for our two countries.”

Democracy attacked daily, says Macron

Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the sacrifices of British troops during the First and Second World Wars but said the post-war rules-based order was under threat.

Speaking in Parliament's Royal Gallery, he said: "We shall never forget the support of the asylum your forefathers gave to the Free French forces in the fight against the barbarism of the Nazis."

He said Sir Winston Churchill's vision of "a world order based on law, justice and respect for territorial integrity" was "today being attacked on a daily basis as we witness direct attacks on our democracies, the return of war on our continent, the resurgence of imperial impulses and the flouting of international rules by destabilising powers".

Macron calls for state of Palestine to be recognised

Recognising the state of Palestine was the only route to peace in the Israel-Hamas war, Mr Macron told MPs and lords.

“I believe in the future of the two-state solution as a basis for original security architecture, which will enable Israel to live in peace and security alongside its neighbours,” he said.

“For us as Europeans, there is no double standard, and as we are attached to human lives, as we are attached to territorial integrity, we want the ceasefire, no discussion and today, working together in order to recognise the state of Palestine and to initiate this political momentum is the only path to peace.”

We will never abandon Ukraine, says Macron

Mr Macron drew the loudest applause so far when he vowed: “This coalition was just a signal that Europeans will never abandon Ukraine, never.”

Recalling how France and the UK stood together against wars, he said: “Since the first day, and even before the first day, we were part of the closest ally of Ukraine, training the army being here the first day to protect President Zelensky, his government, and allowing the forces just to resist, as you did decades ago with my country and together, we worked very hard during the past few years in order to Stand with Ukrainian people. Just helping them to resist.

“We were right, and we are right.”

Analysis: Macron’s warmth to “dear Keir” on display

It has been a difficult time in recent weeks for prime minister Sir Keir Starmer but as French President Emmanuel Macron addresses the joint Houses of Parliament he knows he has a friend in Paris, writes David Maddox.

It was noticeable that the French president referred to him as “dear Keir” and thank him for being the first head of government to join the French commemorations of armistice day in November last year.

This is very reflective of the powerful relationships that Starmer has built with allies as he strives to repair post Brexit relations.

Macron thanks Starmer

Mr Macron thanked Sir Keir Starmer for being the first prime minister to be the first British head of government to spend Armistice Day in Paris in 80 years.

Sir Keir, seated in the front row, nodded to acknowledge Mr Macron’s thanks, amid applause.

(Sky News)

Applause for Macron

MPs and peers clapped loudly as Mr Macron arrived to address them.

Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker of the House of Commons, spoke of the “deep partnership” between France and the UK.

King invites guests to drink Louis XIII cognac

After lunch in the State Dining Room, the King led the Macrons through a set of gilded double doors into the Green Drawing Room to see a display of items from the Royal Collection related to France.

“These are just some items from the Royal Collection,” the King remarked as he guided Mrs Macron closer to one of the display tables.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also joined the viewing to see artefacts which included a gold snuff box which belonged to Marie Antoinette.

On show was a Louis XIII Cognac in a Baccarat Cristal decanter, as served to King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth during the July 1938 State Visit, and later to Queen Elizabeth II in April 1957, which proved to be of interest to the Macrons, Charles and Queen Camilla.

The King suggested to the president that they have a tipple of the historic drink later on.

Caroline de Guitaut, surveyor of the King’s works of art, said afterwards: “The cognac was a talking point. There was suggestion they should have a glass. I think this came from the King.”

The French president and his wife, Camilla and the King in the green drawing room at Windsor Castle (Getty Images)

Lords and MPs gather to hear Macron in Parliament

MPs and peers have begun to gather in Parliament's Royal Gallery for an address by French president Emmanuel Macron.

A platform with four chairs and a podium was erected in the southern end of the grand chamber, which features large murals of both the Battle of Trafalgar and the Battle of Waterloo, two great 19th-century military defeats for the French at the hands of the British and their allies.

As they filed into the Royal Gallery, passing peers told members of press apocryphal stories that a previous French president requested the murals were covered during a past state visit.

Some peers attributed this to Charles de Gaulle, others to Jacques Chirac.

MPs sat on the right of the chamber facing the platform, while peers sat on the left.

Bayeux Tapestry to be loaned to England for first time

Pomp, pageantry and politesse greet French president

Macrons view royal collection

The King and Queen showed Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte items in the Royal Collection exhibition in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.

President Macron, Brigitte and the King (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

King to tell Macron: No fortress can shield us from threats

The King will stress the partnership between France and the UK in the face of a "multitude of complex threats" at a state banquet in honour of French president Emmanuel Macron tonight.

"As friends and as allies, we face them together," he will declare.

At a glittering banquet in Windsor Castle, the monarch will deliver a speech highlighting how "these challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time".

But he will tell Mr Macron that Britain and France can help lead the way in confronting threats relating to defence, technology and climate change, saying: "Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world."

UK-France relationship as strong as ever, PM says

Britain's relationship with France is as strong as it’s ever been, the prime minister's official spokesperson has said, adding that he expected to make "good progress" during Emmanuel Macron's time in the UK this week.

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to use this week's summit to try to get a 'one-in-one-out' deal on migration over the line, amid reports the agreement was close to collapse.

Asked whether there had been any progress on such an agreement, the spokesperson said: "Our joint work with the French is as strong as its ever been.

“You’ve seen their operational response along the northern coast intensifying in recent weeks.

“We continually talk and remain in constant contact on how our joint action can go further in ending the misery these gangs are inflicting."

Watch | Macron meets King Charles and Queen Camilla during state visit to Britain

King and Macron share warm moment amid pomp-filled Windsor welcome

The carriage procession swept into Windsor Castle’s quadrangle where an array of military units were in position waiting to take part in the ceremonial welcome.

Central was the guard of honour formed by two of the British Army’s oldest regiments: Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards with the state colours of the regiments.

President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte were joined by the King and Queen on a dais, with the Prince and Princess of Wales stood nearby.

As the president and King stood waiting for their wives to join them, they shared a few words and Mr Macron warmly touched the King’s back.

The pomp and pageantry featured the Military Knights of Windsor by the castle’s sovereign’s entrance, a detachment of the Household Cavalry nearby and outside the equerries’ entrance was the King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard.

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

King experiences burst blood vessel in eye

The King has suffered a burst blood vessel in his right eye.

The incident, which occurred overnight, is said to be unrelated to any of Charles’ existing health conditions.

Burst blood vessels in the eye, known medically as subconjunctival haemorrhages, are usually harmless and often resolve on their own without treatment.

Charles has experienced a difficult couple of years for his health, particularly after his cancer diagnosis.

Less than a year after his coronation, the King was diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer, which was found while he was undergoing treatment for a separate issue relating to an enlarged prostate.

Since the news broke, the King has been undergoing treatment for over a year while he has gradually built up a return to public duties.

(Getty)

King, Queen and the Macrons ride together through Windsor

(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

King and Queen warmly welcome Macrons

The King and Queen warmly welcomed the Macrons on the dais at Windsor, with the French president kissing Camilla’s hand.

As they stood chatting, Emmanuel Macron placed his hand on the King’s back, and gave it a few affectionate rubs.

Brigitte Macron greeted the Queen with “la bise” – the customary French greeting of a double cheek air kiss.

The royal party and their guests stood still for the French national anthem.

Mr Macron and the King later chatted enthusiastically as Household Cavalry made their way down the road and the open-top carriages arrived.

Charles led Mr Macron into the landau and chuckled as they chatted while taking their seats.

(AFP/Getty)

(via REUTERS)

King and Queen await the Macrons

Overnight the King has experienced a burst blood vessel in his right eye which is said to be unrelated to any other health conditions.

The royal couple chatted to guests on the dais in Windsor as the military band trumpeted out uplifting tunes ahead of the Macrons’ arrival.

(AP)

The King and Queen arrived by car at Dachet Road in Windsor after travelling from the castle ready to meet Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the state limousine made its way slowly down to the dais to the sound of the national anthem.

The Queen is wearing a bright emerald green chiffon dress by Anna Valentine and a hat by Philip Treacy.

Camilla is also wearing an emerald and diamond brooch that belonged to the late Queen.

(via REUTERS)

King and Macron to ride together through Windsor in historic carriage procession

The King and Emmanuel Macron will travel together through Windsor in the 1902 State Landau, followed by the Queen and Brigitte Macron in the Semi-State Landau, Buckingham Palace announced.

The third carriage, the Ascot Landau, will carry the Prince and Princess of Wales who will accompany France’s armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu and French culture minister Rachida Dati.

The final two Ascot Landau carriages will ferry French officials including Helene Duchene, the French ambassador to the UK, and General Fabien Mandon, chief of the military staff.

The processional route, lined through the town by the armed forces, takes in Datchet Road, Thames Street High Street, Park Street, Cambridge Gate, George IV Gateway to the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.

Kate and William travel in the 1902 State Landau along the processional route to Buckingham Palace after their wedding (PA Archive)

(AFP/Getty)

(Reuters)

(via REUTERS)

The pomp and pageantry of Macron's state visit

The King and Quuen will formally greet their guests on a Royal Dais constructed on Datchet Road in Windsor town centre, with the castle in the backdrop as gun salutes sound in nearby Home Park.

Charles, Camilla, the Waleses and Mr and Mrs Macron will then take a carriage procession through Windsor and along part of the Long Walk which leads to the castle, just as former French president Nicolas Sarkozy did in 2008.

A ceremonial welcome will be staged in the castle’s quadrangle with Camilla, William, Kate and Mrs Macron watching as the King and Mr Macron inspect the Guard of Honour.

Lunch will be hosted in the State Dining Room, after which the president and his wife, the King and Queen and members of the royal family will view a special exhibition of items relating to France from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room.

Mr and Mrs Macron will also travel to London on Tuesday afternoon to see the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey and visit the Palace of Westminster where the French leader will address parliamentarians before meeting opposition leaders at Lancaster House.

The King and president will both deliver speeches at the banquet in the medieval St George’s Hall, where some 160 guests will be seated at the elaborately decorated 50 metre table, which will run the full length of the vast room.

William and Kate greet the French president and First Lady as they land

(PA Video/PA Wire)

(REUTERS)

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Macron says UK and France will address major challenges such as migration and security

Emmanuel Macron said his visit to the UK was “an important moment for our two nations” as he promised “effective” action on issues including migration.

He said: “The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend. Our bond is longstanding, forged by history and strengthened by trust.

“Together, we will address the major challenges of our time: security, defence, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture.

“These are all areas in which we seek to act together and deepen our co-operation in a concrete, effective and lasting way.”

Live: Macron arrives in Britain for state visit and talks with King Charles and Starmer

Kate and William at RAF Northolt to welcome Macron

The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at RAF Northolt ready to welcome President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.

Kate was wearing French fashion house Christian Dior and a hat by Jess Collett.

Her earrings belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales and the pearl necklace was from the late Queen’s collection.

The Christian Dior jacket is the 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket and a piece from the 2024 collection.

It was reimagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was inspired by the original first created in 1947 by Christian Dior himself.

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Pictured | Police in Windsor prepare for Macron's visit

(AFP via Getty Images)

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

Windsor Castle prepares for French guests

Blue, white and red flowers in two large urns in honour of the King’s French guests decorate the specially constructed red-carpeted royal dais outside Windsor and Eton Riverside station.

Cleaners were seen vacuuming the steps of the covered structure, which offers a view of the castle where the famous round tower was flying a celebratory oversized Royal Standard.

(Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

(Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Labour billionaire backer John Caudwell ‘nervous’ about Starmer after winter fuel ‘fiasco’

Davey urges Starmer and Macron to unite against Trump's tariffs

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged Sir Keir to use the state visit to create a “united front” against Donald Trump’s “damaging trade war”.

He said: “The Government has worked hard to negotiate but, every time, Donald Trump’s boomerang tariffs come back as he moves the goal posts again and again.

“It’s time to make clear to Trump that we will not take his playground bullying and divide-and-rule tactics lying down. That is the best way to stand up for British jobs, protect our economy and end the uncertainty of this trade war for good.”

(House of Commons)

Recap | French police ‘slash small boats with knives’ to prevent Channel crossings

Our Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Breaking | Norman Tebbit, prominent minister in Thatcher government dies aged 94

King to highlight vital bond with France over threats that ‘know no borders’

The King will stress the vital partnership between France and the UK in the face of a “multitude of complex threats” at the state banquet in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron, declaring “as friends and as allies, we face them together”.

Charles and the Queen are set to welcome the French leader and his wife Brigitte to Windsor Castle on Tuesday as Mr Macron begins his three-day state visit to the UK.

At a glittering banquet in the historic Berkshire landmark in the evening, the monarch will deliver a speech, highlighting how “these challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time”.

But he will tell Mr Macron that Britain and France can help lead the way in confronting threats relating to defence, technology and climate change, saying: “Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world.”

The King and Queen with Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron in France in 2023 (Hannah McKay/PA) (PA Archive)

Charles and Camilla are hosting Mr Macron and the first lady at the historic royal residence.

They will be feted with a carriage ride through the town, a ceremonial welcome and the opulent state dinner.

The King, in his toast, will reflect on 1,000 years of “shared history and culture between our two peoples”, including many of the royal family’s personal connections to France.

“For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other”, he will say, and reveal how he remains “in awe of France’s extraordinary attributes and achievements”.

Charles will also hail the Anglo-French partnership as vital amid the many challenges of today, saying: “Our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions.

“As friends and as allies, we face them together.”

How many small boats crossings have there been this year?

A record number of people have crossed the Channel in small boats in the first six months of this year, figures show.

Data from the Home Office shows a total of 19,982 people have arrived in the UK since the start of 2025 – the highest total for the halfway point of the year since data was first collected on migrant crossings in 2018.

Last Monday (30 June), 879 people arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel, provisional Home Office data showed – the third highest number of arrivals on a single day so far this year.

The total for 2025 so far is 48 per cent higher than the figure for the first six months of 2024, which was 13,489, and 75 per cent higher than the equivalent figure for 2023, which was 11,433.

(Getty Images)

More than three out of five people think Starmer does not respect them – poll

More than three in five people think Sir Keir Starmer does not respect them, a poll has found.

While in opposition, Sir Keir sought to make the concept of “respect” central to his pitch to voters, and research from UCL suggested this played a key role in convincing the public to back him and the Labour Party.

But a survey from More In Common and the UCL Policy Lab, published on Tuesday, suggested 63 per cent of the public now thought the Prime Minister did not respect people like them, almost twice the 32 per cent that thought so before the 2024 election.

And while 41 per cent of the public thought Sir Keir did respect them before the election, that figure has fallen to 24 per cent.

(PA Wire)

The poll also suggested that a perceived lack of respect from political elites was driving support for Reform UK, with supporters of that party more likely to think politicians as a whole disrespect them.

Some 85 per cent of Reform supporters said they thought politicians did not respect their contribution to society, while 86 per cent thought politicians did not respect their values.

But while Reform leader Nigel Farage scored more highly than the two main party leaders on respecting the public, 50 per cent of those surveyed still said he did not respect people like them.

That compared to 56 per cent for Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and 63 per cent for Sir Keir.

And just 33 per cent thought Mr Farage did respect them, compared to 24 per cent for both Mrs Badenoch and Sir Keir.

Politics Explained: What can we expect from this week’s state visit by Emmanuel Macron?

Our Associate Editor Sean O’ Grady writes:

Remarkably, given the geographical closeness and the coincidence of interest, when Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte visit Britain this week to be given the full state visit treatment, it will be the first such honour since President and Madame Sarkozy came in 2008. That such a long gap has grown is obviously due to some difficult years in the interim, caused by the run-up to, and fallout from, the Brexit referendum in 2016. It’s fair to say neither country has fully recovered from the shock, but the old friendship is growing warmer…

Read the full article below:

Minister says people-smuggling won’t be solved ‘overnight’ amid questions over UK-France deal

Heidi Alexander said tackling people-smuggling would not happen “overnight” as she faced questions about whether the trade could be reduced without a one in, one out deal with France.

The transport secretary said watching footage of French authorities slash small boats “wasn’t pleasant” but “that’s action that we are supporting”.

Asked whether the one in, one out arrangement was necessary to deal with Channel crossings, she told Times Radio: “Well, look, we’re working very closely with the French authorities, and the visit of President Macron this week is another opportunity to continue those discussions.

“I’m not going to speculate on the coverage of this possibility of a one in, one out agreement with France. We’ve seen in the last couple of days, haven’t we, that the French authorities are now using some new tactics to stop the boats in shallow waters.

“We welcome that and we want to build on it. I know that the Prime Minister spoke with President Macron at the weekend.

“We’re looking forward to further discussions this week, because I think all of us want to tackle the misery, really, that these very sophisticated international criminal gangs are inflicting through this vile trade that operates across the channel.”

She added: “We’ve been honest that this is a problem that we’re not going to fix overnight… So we need to tackle this from all sides.”

For context,

Last week, French authorities appeared to change tactics when officers used a knife to puncture an inflatable boat after it had launched.

Macron to arrive in UK with Starmer set to press for help on small boats

French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in the UK on Tuesday as Sir Keir Starmer presses for more help stopping small boats crossing the Channel.

Mr Macron will be hosted by the King during his three-day state visit, the first by a French president since 2008.

But there will be a political dimension to the visit as well, with the president expected to meet the Prime Minister for a Franco-British summit later in the week.

Top of the agenda for that summit is likely to be action on small boat crossings as Sir Keir attempts to solve one of voters’ key issues.

This could include a so-called “one in, one out” deal to exchange Channel migrants for asylum seekers in Europe who have a link to the UK.

Such an agreement is thought still to be on the table, but a deal has not yet been done.

Ministers have also been pushing for France to revise its rules to allow police to intervene when boats are in shallow water, rather than requiring them still to be on land.

Welcome to The Independent's live politics coverage

Good morning,

Welcome to The Independent’s live politics coverage today.

Here is what’s on the agenda:

• French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in the UK today as Sir Keir Starmer presses for more help stopping small boats crossing the Channel.
• The King will stress the vital partnership between France and the UK in the face of a “multitude of complex threats” at the state banquet in honour of Mr Macron, declaring “as friends and as allies, we face them together”.
• Sir Keir will host a cabinet meeting this morning.
• Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will appear before Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee on spending review.
• Foreign Secretary David Lammy will appear before Foreign Affairs Committee
• Home Secretary Yvette Cooper before Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee

We will be bringing you the latest news, right here.

Watch: Macron says immigration is a ‘burden’ France and UK ‘must fix’ in address to parliament