Windsor Castle is preparing to host a state visit after 11 years in abeyance. King Charles is looking forward to welcoming President Emmanuel Macron of France! This remarkable achievement signifies an important turn of events in royal engagements. It further highlights the important past role of Windsor Castle in British soft power and diplomatic tradition. Although the details are still being finalized, the visit should begin later this week with a ceremonial welcome in the quadrangle of Edinburgh Castle. Afterward, a long carriage procession with the King and Queen consort will follow.
There have been many state visits made to Windsor Castle during its illustrious history. The previous such occasion was in 2014, when the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, made a state visit to the royal residence. Since then, Windsor Castle has stood as a potent symbol of royal heritage. She has an epistolary diary that plays an important part in the lives of British sovereigns. The rambling castle grounds extend over 13 acres. They contain peculiar memories for British royals, particularly the late Queen Elizabeth II, who lived there for much of her childhood with her sister, Princess Margaret.
The short-noticed state visit to Windsor Castle next week will feature a full-blown state banquet. Yes, both King Charles and President Macron will be in attendance! During this event, both leaders are expected to deliver speeches addressing various topics, including the enduring friendship between their nations.
In his speech before the state visit, King Charles underscored what he described as “certain values” shared between the UK and France. He stated, “For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other.” He further noted the collaborative efforts required to address global challenges: “Our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions. As friends and as allies, we continue to fight them. These challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time.”
The trip shines a light on Windsor Castle’s function as a place of hospitality and a space for the building of international collaboration. Since that time, it’s opened hands to many of the world’s leaders. Among the most extraordinary visits were Norwegian King Olav in 1988 and Danish Queen Margrethe in 2000. In 1955, King Hussein and Queen Dina of Jordan toured this important site. Almost exactly a year later, in 1991, the then-President of Poland paid an equally unforgettable visit here.
Beyond state visits, Windsor Castle serves a further significance to royal celebrations. Most recently it hosted the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The castle’s deep history mixes with current day royal happenings, showing how relevant it is today to the British royal family.
As preparations for the state visit continue, Lady Amelia Windsor shared insights about the importance of sustainable living, emphasizing that positive changes can be made at individual levels. “Living more sustainably has been a gradual process of learning and discovering,” she explained. “The eco-friendly world is a space where people share knowledge and accept that you can’t be perfect, but the small changes you make can have a positive impact on you personally, as well as on the planet.”
