After the glitz and glamour of a star-studded State Banquet the night before, King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte to a far more serene setting—Windsor Castle.
It was a sunny Wednesday morning, and the scene was set for a more personal, heartfelt leg of the French leader’s state visit.
Instead of formal speeches and red carpets, this time it was all about fresh air, royal gardens, and shared values.
A Historic First: Touring Windsor’s Grounds with the King
This intimate tour wasn’t just a charming gesture—it was actually a first for a State Visit.
King Charles personally showed President Macron around the stunning gardens of Windsor Castle, giving him a glimpse into the work being done on biodiversity and nature restoration across the estate.
It was a reflection of the King’s longstanding passion for the environment—something both leaders seemed genuinely engaged in as they walked side by side through the South Garden.
A Special Visit with a Special Horse
While Charles and Macron bonded over plants and parkland, Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron shared a quieter moment elsewhere on the castle grounds.
Their destination?
A horse named Fabuleu de Maucour.
This striking grey gelding once served in France’s Republican Guard and was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.
The visit was a touching tribute to the late Queen’s lifelong love of horses.
Honoring a Beloved Monarch
Before the tour began, the Macrons took a moment to pay their respects.
They quietly laid flowers at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, located in St George’s Chapel within the castle.
It was a simple but powerful gesture, one that echoed the words Macron had shared during the banquet the night before.
“She was your Queen,” he told King Charles. “To us, she was the Queen.”
Warm Goodbyes and Meaningful Gifts
As the visit wrapped up, King Charles and Mr. Macron shared a long and heartfelt farewell, clasping hands for nearly half a minute.
The King even kissed Mrs. Macron’s hand and cheek, before waving cheerfully as he and Camilla disappeared back into the castle.
But the moment wasn’t just about goodbyes—it was also about exchanging deeply personal gifts.
Among them: an oak tree sapling from Windsor, matching the one Macron had gifted the King during his own State Visit to France in 2023.
Charles also handed over a set of his own watercolour-painted placemats and a rare 1931 edition of Montaigne’s works.
In return, the French President gave the King a 1902 piano and vocal score of Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande, a French cavalry band trumpet, and a custom watercolour set in a beautifully inscribed walnut box—an artist’s dream kit tailored just for Charles.
Stylish Diplomacy: What They Wore
While diplomacy took center stage, there was no ignoring the fashion.
The King sported a light grey pinstripe suit with a blue Greek-flag patterned tie, while Camilla wore an animal-themed Liberty London dress inspired by illustrator Brian Wildsmith.
President Macron kept it classic with a dark three-piece suit and black tie, and Brigitte looked elegant in an off-white double-breasted jacket paired with a matching pencil skirt.
From Windsor to Westminster: The State Visit Rolls On
After the Windsor engagement, the Macrons were scheduled to visit Imperial College London for an AI and tech innovation showcase.
Lunch was set with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, before a busy afternoon of political talks and business receptions.
Meanwhile, the First Lady and Lady Starmer had their own plans—tea and a tour at 10 Downing Street.
A Guildhall Banquet with a Noble Guest List
Later in the evening, another formal dinner awaited the Macrons—this time at the historic Guildhall, with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester joining them.
Lord Mayor Alistair King and President Macron were both expected to give speeches during the banquet.
It was yet another highlight in a visit full of ceremony, symbolism, and renewed friendship.
A Shared History and a Shared Future
At Tuesday’s State Banquet, King Charles had toasted not only the past but also the future of Anglo-French relations.
His speech touched on shared struggles like climate change, defence, technology, and the ongoing support for Ukraine.
“The answer lies in partnership,” the King said.
“And we—France and Britain—must help lead the way… not just cordiale, but now amicable.”
Serious Talks Ahead: Tackling the Small Boats Crisis
But alongside the pageantry came serious policy discussions.
With more than 21,000 migrants crossing the Channel so far in 2025, Macron and Starmer were set to hold crucial talks on curbing illegal migration.
Starmer hopes to broker a “one in, one out” deal—accepting European asylum seekers with UK connections while returning small boat migrants to the continent.
Critics have slammed the idea as a “migrant merry-go-round,” while the EU has raised concerns about its broader impact.
France Steps Up Its Efforts
Despite the political wrangling, France has visibly stepped up its response.
Reports show French officers intercepting boats and even slashing inflatable crafts before they can launch.
They’re also experimenting with underwater nets to stop propellers from spinning.
British officials say that so far this year, more than 12,000 crossings have been prevented and 600 boats seized through joint UK-France efforts.
A Final Day of Diplomacy
On Thursday, Macron will head to Downing Street for the UK-France Summit—a final chapter in what has been a highly symbolic and action-packed State Visit.
And with warm gestures, deep conversations, and concrete plans on the table, it’s clear that both sides are walking away with more than just photographs—they’re leaving with renewed hope for stronger ties and real cooperation.
