King Charles' first state visit to France as king was supposed to represent an opportunity to celebrate a new chapter in relations between London and Paris, but it was postponed today, Friday, due to ongoing public protests in France. The protests, which involved demonstrators taking to the streets, setting buildings on fire, and clashing with police, led to the cancellation of King Charles' visit, which was set to include a banquet at the historic Palace of Versailles and a visit to the wine region of Bordeaux.
The postponement caused embarrassment for French President Emmanuel Macron and disappointment for King Charles, who had placed much hope on the visit as it was his first foreign trip since succeeding his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in September. A source at Buckingham Palace stated, "The King and Queen were greatly looking forward to the visit." The source added, "But when the UK Prime Minister informed the King about his discussions with President Macron, who suggested postponing the visit, the King of course understood the Prime Minister's advice to delay the visit and agreed to it."
During their first state visit, King Charles and his wife Camilla were planning to visit France first before heading to Germany. The aim of both visits was to celebrate a new chapter in relations between Britain and France, as well as Germany, which had deteriorated following the 2016 referendum that led to the UK's exit from the European Union. Macron tweeted, "The state of public anger has led to the postponement of the meeting with the King." France is currently engulfed in angry demonstrations protesting Macron's plan to reform the pension system, which resulted in the fire at the main entrance of Bordeaux City Hall yesterday, Thursday.
