In an unprecedented event, King Charles received a standing ovation after delivering a historic speech in the French Senate. This marks a significant milestone as he became the first British monarch to address the French Senate.
A Landmark Event in Paris
King Charles’s visit to Paris was not just any ordinary state visit. As he stood in the French Senate chambers, he emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the UK and France. According to Mirror, a guard of honour lined the King’s route to the Salle des Conferences. Here, he met representatives from both the Senate and the National Assembly. Before delivering his speech, he took a moment to sign the visitors’ book.
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Addressing Global Challenges
In his address, which he delivered partly in French and English, King Charles touched upon global challenges, notably climate change. He reminisced about his previous visits to France and highlighted the “indispensable relationship” between the two nations. As stated in Town and Country Magazine, the King expressed, “Quite simply, the United Kingdom will always be one of France’s closest allies and best friends.”
A Nod to Sports and Personal Ties
King Charles’s speech was not devoid of lighter moments. He made a cheeky reference to the ongoing Rugby World Cup hosted in France and the friendly rivalry between the French and English teams. He also spoke fondly of the Prince and Princess of Wales, mentioning how millions visit each other’s countries, a joy that has been recently rediscovered post-pandemic.
Paying Tribute to the Late Queen
The King’s speech was also a poignant moment as he remembered his late mother, Queen Elizabeth. He thanked the French for their condolences and shared how much the kind words meant to him and his family during their time of grief.
Queen Camilla’s Address
Queen Camilla, too, had her moment in the spotlight. As reported in Town and Country Magazine, she delivered a speech in French during a visit to the French National Library. She reminisced about her time as a student in Paris and expressed her deep love for literature.
