ROYAL OUI
King Charles and Queen Camilla joined by Mick Jagger at star-studded Versailles banquet
THE King and Queen dined with rock stars and football legends last night on their state visit to France.
Charles and Camilla were joined by Rolling Stone Sir Mick Jagger, actor Hugh Grant and former Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger at a Palace of Versailles banquet.
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Raising a toast before French President Emmanuel Macron, His Majesty called for a “firm friendship” between Britain and France “for centuries to come”
The King delivered his speech in both French and English, and said how he was “so greatly moved by the tributes paid in France to my
mother, the late Queen, whose funeral took place one year ago yesterday”.
My family and I were so greatly moved by the tributes paid in France to my Mother, The late Queen, whose funeral took place one year ago yesterday
King Charles
He hailed the “connections between our people” and celebrated Entente Cordiale — a treaty between France and Britain — which will mark its 120th anniversary next year.
The King said: “It is incumbent upon us all to reinvigorate our friendship, to ensure it is fit for the challenges of this, the 21st century.”
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He called on France to work with Britain to defeat the misery of human trafficking and the war in Ukraine.
Charles added: “In our long and complex history, our relations have of course not always been entirely straightforward.
“Today, our countries stand together against oppression and in support of the most vulnerable, including those who suffer the devastating impact of natural disaster or conflict — whether in Ukraine, in Libya and in Morocco.”
And he signed off, saying: “Mr President, in all of this we can rely on our firm friendship, which is renewed and reinvigorated with each new generation.”
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President Macron spoke in French as he gave his toast.
The 160-strong guests were sat on one large table in the Hall of Mirrors. Brits also included author Ken Follett.
French-British actresses Emma Mackey and Charlotte Gainsbourg also attended.
Representing France were former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira and ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.
French businessman and billionaire Bernard Arnault — said to be
the richest man on the planet — also joined the dinner.
The royals had a windswept arrival at Paris-Orly Airport for their three-day visit.
It began at the Arc de Triomphe, where Charles and Camilla were greeted by Mr Macron and wife Brigitte.
The King and President paused at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and bowed their heads before together laying a wreath.
The British national anthem was followed by the French La Marseillaise, as a fly-past of the Patrouille de France and the Red Arrows roared above.
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His Majesty and Mr Macron waved to crowds from a car on the Champs-Élysées and did a walkabout.
One onlooker, Sophie, from Lyon, who shook the King’s hand, said: “People here still have an affection for the British crown.”
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