Hugh Grant, Mick Jagger and other celebrities join King and Queen for dinner at Versailles
King Charles III made a powerful speech today as the first British Monarch to ever address the French senate in a historic first.
During his speech, where he switched seamlessly between French and English, Charles addressed the ‘indispensable relationship’ between the two countries who were close allies during the two World Wars.
He pledged strong support to Ukraine and the need for continued colloboration between France and Britain to combat climate change.
He referenced Charles de Gaulle’s Free French resistance movement as he strongly condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine when France suffered under Nazi occupation between 1940 and 19444.
He said: “Together we are steadfast in our determination Ukraine will triumph and that our cherished freedoms will prevail.”
Finally Charles offered his verdict on the Rugby World Cup, saying: “Even when our national teams are drawn up on opposite ends of the pitch, they do so with mutual admiration and a shared commitment to the rules of the game – on which I will say only ‘pas de coups bas, et que le meilleur gagne!’ ‘No low blows, and may the best win!’
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King Charles and Queen Camilla visit the Parisian suburb Saint-Denis home of the Rugby World Cup where they will be met by rugby stars and sports fans.
The royals will meet youngsters from the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis to talk about sports at the Rugby Village as France hosts the Rugby World Cup.
Earlier today, the King was greeted with a round of applause during his speech at the French senate, as he quipped “may the best win” between the French and English, Welsh and Scottish national teams competing in the Rugby World Cup
Lydia Patrick21 September 2023 11:47
Charles addresses need for collaboration to combat climate change
“Let us, therefore, cherish and nurture our entente cordiale. Let us renew it for future generations so that, I would like to propose, it also becomes an entente pour la durabilite (agreement for sustainability) – in order to tackle the global climate and biodiversity emergency more effectively.
“A commitment to each other, and to the values we so proudly share; a commitment inspired by the example of the past, and emboldened to grapple with the immense challenges in the world around us.
“As neighbours, friends, partners and allies, there is no challenge to which we cannot rise, as we have done so often in the past. Let us stride forward with hope and courage – and let us do so together.”
King Charles III
Lydia Patrick21 September 2023 11:11
Standing ovation as Charles ends speech
The King was left notably touched by the reception of his passionate speech where he addressed the longstanding friendship between the two nations, his late mother, climate change and the war in Ukraine.
King Charles III strongly condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine as he referenced Charles de Gaulle’s Free French resistance movement in the Second World War when France suffered under Nazi occupation between 1940 and 19444.
He said: “Together we are steadfast in our determination Ukraine will triumph and that our cherished freedoms will prevail.”
The King’s address was received well as spectators gave him a standing ovation
(via REUTERS)
Lydia Patrick21 September 2023 11:07
Watch Live – King Charles and Queen Camilla visit World Cup Rugby village to talk to young sports fans
Lydia Patrick21 September 2023 10:57
Reflections on a longstanding friendship
Speaking partly in French and in English, he referred to “global” challenges including climate change and reflected on his previous visits to the nation.
He said: “Inspired and encouraged by my grandmother’s and my late mother’s example, France has been an essential part of the fabric of my own life for as long as I can remember.
“Indeed, as I have been astonished to discover, this is my 35th official visit to France. Each and every time, I have been struck by the warmth of the welcome I have always received, and by the immense good that can be accomplished when France and the United Kingdom work together.
“Now, on the occasion of my first state visit to France, my belief in the indispensable relationship between our countries is as firm as it has ever been.“Today, in confronting the greatest challenges of our time, we continue the work of those who came before us.
When General de Gaulle spoke to the French people from London in June of 1940, he said, ‘remember this, France does not stand alone. She is not isolated … she can make common cause with the British’.”
King Charles reflects on the longstanding relationship between France and Britain
(AP)
Lydia Patrick21 September 2023 10:50
‘May the best win’
Charles was greeted with a round of applause as he quipped “may the best win” between the French and English, Welsh and Scottish national teams competing in the Rugby World Cup being hosted in France. He said in English: “Millions of us visit each other’s countries every year – a joy that we are now rediscovering after the disruption wrought by the pandemic.
“Tens of thousands of British rugby fans are currently following their national team around France, enjoying the fantastic spectacle of the Rugby World Cup – my son and daughter-in-law among them.
“Even when our national teams are drawn up on opposite ends of the pitch, they do so with mutual admiration and a shared commitment to the rules of the game – on which I will say only ‘pas de coups bas, et que le meilleur gagne!’
“And, of course, hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens have chosen to live their lives permanently in each other’s countries. This vibrant exchange between our people makes us immeasurably stronger, happier and more prosperous.”
King Charles addresses the Senate
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Lydia Patrick21 September 2023 10:47
‘An indispensable relationship’
King Charles III says their alliance will stand strong as they face a new enemy on the continent decades on from the World Wars.
He pledges his support and solidarity to the Ukrainians who he says will be victorious.
King Charles addresses the Senate
(Reuters)
Lydia Patrick21 September 2023 10:34
King Charles switches from French to English in Senate speech
The King shows off his fluency as he momentarily switches from French, to English, back to French to remember his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
He recalls how yesterday at the Arc de Triomphe he was reminded of his late Mother’s jubilee celebrations
He said: “You marked the platinum jubilee of my beloved mother the late Queen Elizabeth II.”
He reflected on Macron, who said his Mother was the golden thread in the tapestry between the nations.
King Charles and Macron in black-tie for the lavish state dinner last night
(AFP via Getty Images)
Lydia Patrick21 September 2023 10:25
King Charles makes history to be first Monarch to ever address the Senate
King Charles III stands infront of the Senate to express his gratitude to the national assembly and apologises for disturbing their holiday period.
He said: “Quite simply the United Kingdom shall always be one of the closest allies and one of the best friends of France.”
Sam Rkaina21 September 2023 10:21
The president of the National Assembly of France shares gratitude to the King
Yaël Braun-Pivet addressed the Senate to thank Charles for his attendance, she reminisced on the long history between the neighbouring countries.
She thanked the English suffragettes who paved the way for French female empowerment and marked the 120th anniversary of D-Day and 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.
Yaël Braun-Pivet reflected on the long and sometimes rocky history between the states
(Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Lydia Patrick21 September 2023 10:16