King Charles received a standing ovation from the French Senate after delivering a strongly-worded speech calling for Ukraine to triumph in its war against Russia's 'horrifying' invasion. The address, delivered in both English and French, also highlighted the 'existential challenge' of climate change, though it avoided any direct critique of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's recent changes to net-zero policies.
The King spoke of the need to 'nourish and cherish' the entente cordiale between France and Britain, urging the relationship to promote sustainability. He invoked the wartime unity of the two nations as a model for modern challenges, including the war in Ukraine, which he described as a shared struggle for democratic values.
French language expert Malcolm Massey praised the King's pronunciation and accent. Earlier in the day, the King and Queen visited Notre Dame cathedral to see restoration progress following the 2019 fire, and Queen Camilla launched an Anglo-French literary prize at the French national library.
The three-day state visit will conclude with the royal couple visiting environmental projects in Bordeaux.
