Emmanuel Macron addressed members of Congress and his peers on the first afternoon of a three-day Congressional visit.
In a wide speech, the French president told MPs that Britain and France have a responsibility to “solve illegal immigration in a human, united and firm manner”.
Macron and his wife Brigitte flew to Raf Northolt in western London earlier, where the Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales met them before joining the king and queen in downtown Windsor.
Macro will later join Windsor Castle’s senior royal family and about 160 guests to the state banquet.
This is the first state visit by the French president since 2008 and the first time since Brexit has been conducted by EU political leaders.
In his speech in front of both houses, Macron described it as a “great honor” and spoke about many topics, including the war in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as issues such as trade and immigration.
He praised the partnership between France and Britain in support of Ukraine, saying “we will fight until the last minute” in order for a ceasefire to negotiate a “sustainable peace.”
In turning to the conflict in the Middle East, Macron called for a “ceasefire in Gaza, without any conditions” and added that “work together” to recognize that the Palestinian state is “the only road to peace.”
The French president also called on Britain, France and Europe to strengthen security by investing in technology and reducing “over-dependence on China and the United States.”
After the speech, Macron and Prime Minister Sir Kyle Stamer went to the Parliament Square of the Winston Churchill statue and placed a wreath on the Winston Churchill statue.
The highlight of this trip will be the national banquet later at Windsor Castle, where the Princess of Wales will attend. She was absent from the last few large ceremony dinners, and in November 2023, her last visit.
The display box menu begins with a special cocktail called “L’Entente” which combines British gin with lemon curd and French Pastis, decorated with French popcorn and English roses.
For dinner, chef Raymond Blanc made a menu that starts with a selection of soft summer vegetables served with sage, raw tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil seasoning.
The main dish is the highest water of Nafolk asparagus and Tarragon cream, a blackcurrant soaked sponge with ice and an elderflower jelly selected for dessert.
After dinner, the king will convey a message about “the common history and culture between our two nations.”
The king will say Britain and France must face “multiple complex threats” and warn of threats in defense, technology and climate change.
The king will say at the banquet: “For centuries, our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, imitated each other.”
He will warn of the current risks “from multiple directions” and the challenge of “not knowing the boundaries” “no fortress can protect us.”
He would say: “Our two countries not only have values, but also share their relentless determination to act on them in the world.”
King Charles and President Macron later chatted in the carriage at the welcome ceremony in Windsor [Reuters]
Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron follow in a separate carriage [Getty Images]
Earlier on Tuesday, Macron and the King chatted enthusiastically as they headed to Windsor Castle in a family cavalry.
Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron travel behind them in a separate carriage.
As the carriage passed through Windsor, Mrs. Macron was blown toward the crowd. The band passed Marseillaise – the French national anthem – they passed the castle, and the parade was in great pace.
Prince William and Catherine cheered in the crowd on the street.
Catherine nodded to French fashion and wore a Christian Dior jacket. This is her first public appearance since last week talking about the challenge of post-chemotherapy recovery.
King Charles and Macron then conducted a ceremony inspection on the red coat and Bearskins of the quadrilateral Windsor Castle before heading for an indoor lunch.
As part of this diplomatic Smith, Macron and his wife showcased items in the royal collection with French themes.
These include an entry from Queen Victoria’s diary in August 1855, when Victoria was the first British monarch to visit Paris in 400 years.
State visits are an opportunity to strengthen partnerships for “soft power” – Macron’s visit appears to strengthen ties with the UK amid uncertainties over issues such as Ukraine’s military support.
Sylvie Bermann, the French ambassador to the UK from 2014 to 2017, described the boat issue as a difficult one, but said France was “making progress.”
In response to criticism within the UK, the British government paid too much money to France in an attempt to stop small ship intersections without seeing any results so far. [France] Doing this job for the UK…you can’t stop everyone [small boats] But we are doing our best. ”
Starmer and Macron are also expected to speak over the phone with other allies who wish to support any peace agreement in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Macron will see a horse he gave to the late Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate her Platinum Jubilee.
The French president and his wife are also preparing to visit the late queen’s grave during their stay in Windsor.
The British government expressed its hope to “reset” post-Brexit relations with European neighbors, and Macron’s visit would be a public recognition of a long-term alliance with France.
During the visit, scientific advances will be emphasized and examples of artificial intelligence and innovative technologies will be presented to French visitors at Imperial College London.
The king and queen paid a state visit to France in 2023, when he praised the speech of the French Senate.
He provided Ukraine with a strong support message after Russia’s “fearing” full-scale invasion in 2022. The king also emphasized the “existential challenges” of climate change.
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