KING Charles has been spotted with a burst blood vessel in his eye ahead of welcoming Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron.
It is understood the Monarch’s right eye was affected overnight, and is said to be unrelated to any other health conditions.
The Monarch has been spotted with a burst blood vessel in his right eye[/caption]
It is said to be unrelated to any other health conditions[/caption]
The King kissed Brigitte Macron’s hand as the pair arrived[/caption]
It comes as Mr Macron kissed Princess Kate’s hand as the UK rolled out a red carpet to mark the first UK state visit in 17 years.
The French president, and his wife Brigitte, were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales at RAF Northolt this morning.
They have now been welcomed in Windsor by the King and Queen, with the French president kissing Camilla’s hand.
As they stood chatting, Mr Macron also placed his hand on the King’s back as part of a warm welcome.
Mrs Macron greeted the Queen with “la bise” – the customary French greeting of a double cheek air kiss.
The royal party and their guests stood still for the French national anthem.
Mr Macron and the King later chatted as Household Cavalry made their way down the road and the open-top carriages arrived.
Charles led Mr Macron into the landau and chuckled as they chatted while taking their seats.
This comes after a carpet lining party, found by The King’s Colour Squadron, Royal Air Force, was rolled out for the arrival earlier.
The visit also comes as a new migration deal with France is set to be signed this week – with fears Labour will send them even more money.
Mr Macron’s three-day state visit will culminate in a summit with Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday, where a proposal would see France agree to take back a small boat migrant in return for Britain accepting one of their asylum seekers.
The PM’s spokesman has not ruled out more cash being handed to Paris in addition to the £480million already paid.
As the doors of the plane opened at RAF Northolt this morning, the president made his way down the steps first followed by the first lady, where they were met by the ambassador of the French Republic, Helene Duchene.
Mr and Mrs Macron were then welcomed by William and Kate.
Camilla held hands with the French First Lady[/caption]
The King will deliver a moving address later this evening at the state banquet[/caption]
The royal party laughed as the chatted[/caption]
The president warmly shook the prince’s hand and held onto his arm as they chatted.
Mr Macron then took the princess’s hand and delivered a gallant air kiss towards it.
Kate stepped out in elegant French fashion house Christian Dior and a hat by Jess Collett.
In a touching nod to her late mother-in-law, Kate has worn earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.
And, to pay homage to the late Queen Elizabeth, she has donned the pearl necklace was from the late Monarch’s collection.
The Christian Dior jacket is the 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket and a piece from the 2024 collection.
It was reimagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was inspired by the original first created in 1947 by Christian Dior himself.
Others in the welcoming committee were Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, RAF Northolt station commander Group Captain Jonathan Hough, the King’s ambassador in Paris Dame Menna Rawlings.
Ahead of his visit, the French president said: “This is an important moment for our two nations” as he promised “effective” action on issues including migration.
He said: “The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend. Our bond is longstanding, forged by history and strengthened by trust.
“Together, we will address the major challenges of our time: security, defence, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture.
“These are all areas in which we seek to act together and deepen our co-operation in a concrete, effective and lasting way.”
A carriage procession with the royals to Windsor Castle will now unfold through High Street and up the Long Walk.
The King and Mr Macron are travelling together through Windsor in the 1902 State Landau.
They are being followed by the Queen and Brigitte Macron in the Semi-State Landau, Buckingham Palace announced.
In the third carriage, the Ascot Landau, is ferrying Kate and Wills, who will accompany France’s armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu and French culture minister Rachida Dati.
The final two Ascot Landau carriages are transporting French officials including Helene Duchene, the French ambassador to the UK, and General Fabien Mandon, chief of the military staff.
The processional route, lined through the town by the armed forces, takes in Datchet Road, Thames Street High Street, Park Street, Cambridge Gate, George IV Gateway to the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.
The King and French president in a 1902 State Landau on a state drive to Windsor Castle[/caption]
Queen Camilla shook hands with the French president[/caption]
Kate was seen giving hubby Wills an affectionate hug[/caption]
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