In an unprecedented move, King Charles III will become the first British monarch to address the French Parliament during his upcoming state visit to France. This landmark event underscores the deepening ties between the UK and France, as both nations navigate post-Brexit diplomacy.
A Royal First
The King's speech, scheduled for September, will take place at the Senate in Paris—a symbolic venue reflecting the shared democratic values of the two countries. Buckingham Palace confirmed the engagement, highlighting its significance in strengthening bilateral relations.
Why This Visit Matters
- Historical precedent: No reigning British monarch has ever spoken to the French Parliament.
- Diplomatic weight: The visit comes amid ongoing negotiations on issues like migration and trade.
- Cultural bridge: Charles, fluent in French, is expected to touch on climate cooperation—a personal passion.
What to Expect
The three-day visit will also include ceremonies at Arc de Triomphe and a state banquet at Versailles. Observers note the timing aligns with the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, the 1904 agreement that ended centuries of Anglo-French rivalry.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended the parliamentary invitation personally, seeing the King as "a bridge between our nations" amid recent tensions over Brexit fallout and Channel crossings.
