King Charles hosts French President for State Visit

[My2cents1975]

After Brexit, the Royal Family (Queen Elizabeth and then King Charles) have deployed soft power to support Anglo-French rapprochement.

Hopefully politicians will pursue improved co-operation between the two nations as it is critical for security (Ukraine war) and prosperity (reducing trade barriers for small to medium businesses hit hard by increased red tape post-Brexit).

King Charles hosts President Macron and his wife Brigitte at Windsor for state visit

There was a lot of bad blood between the UK and France (and the EU more broadly) after Brexit. That’s one of the hopes behind these state visits. To smooth things over, reset the tone, and get trade flowing again.

As the Guardian put it, “Brexit triggered a collapse in UK exports to the EU worth £27bn in the first two years,” creating chaos for drivers, ports, and businesses — delays at Dover and Calais, mountains of red tape, and frustration on both sides of the Channel.

Interestingly, trade expert Holger Rausch credited Rishi Sunak’s 2023 visit to Paris — and the King’s state visit that same year — as the real turning point. He said, “Since then we have been moving forward very positively.”

In other words? A bit of diplomatic charm goes a long way. Make the other side feel special — a nice banquet, someone making a speech in French, praising French resilience when visiting Notre Dame — and suddenly relations thaw. (See also: the Queen bowing her head in Dublin and speaking Irish. Symbolism matters.)

Say what you like, but stroking egos is a form of soft power. Honestly, it’s probably part of the reason Trump went easier on us than he might’ve during the tariff wars — flattery and theatre work better than bluster.

Anyway, I’ve attached The Guardian article below if you want some of the stats and detail in relation to Anglo-French trade deals and what this state visit can do to potentially improve it.

The Guardian

Catherine absolutely nailed the art of diplomatic dressing on this visit. She wore French Dior in a classic New Look silhouette — a clear nod to iconic French fashion heritage. It was also the first time she’s publicly worn Dior, making the choice all the more symbolic. And while the suit was French, her hat (by Jess Collett) and bag (Mulberry) were both created by British designers/companies — a perfect blend of British craftsmanship and French couture.

For the evening banquet, she wore Sarah Burton for Givenchy — a British-born designer leading a French fashion house. Once again, the Anglo-French message was literally woven into the design. Her clutch featured a lily of the valley motif — a small detail, but rich in symbolism. In France, May 1st is La Fête du Muguet, when people gift the flower as a token of happiness and good luck. It’s also closely associated with Christian Dior, who considered it his lucky flower — and, notably, it featured in Catherine’s own wedding bouquet.

Then there was the evening’s colour coordination between Catherine, Camilla and Brigitte — together representing the tricolours of both the British and French flags.

Her gown might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but when it comes to the language of fashion diplomacy, Catherine speaks it fluently.

Honestly, the amount of thought that goes into the clothes — and even the food — is incredible.

Based on my life experience I’m quite happy to stand by the comment I’ve made.

Sorry Puzzled, I left it too late to edit - you mentioned yet to be seen benefits. You probably wouldn’t be aware of them unless they were announced in the press because those that make the press are normally the big ones. In this instance, as an example, something between Rolls Royce and Airbus that would be announced by the government. Then there’s the rest that grew from the visit but didn’t make the headlines and may not fall into place until a bit further down the line but they definitely happened because of the visit and the contacts made.

To be honest, Women As Flag is one of the most distasteful elements of the whole thing. Obviously, the designers chosen are always significant-but cosplaying the Tricolour? Seriously?

Thank you for this post. I find this kind of insight so interesting. Diplomatic dressing has been a thing throughout history.

I think the red evening dress got a bad press because we saw it first in natural outside light whereas the colour was more flattering when photographed inside. I loved the 3 ladies in red, white and blue - very striking.

Yes. She wouldn't have been just going through the motions.

Both flags.

@CurlewKate it's not "women as a flag". It's wearing colours as a tribute. Much as the late Queen wore a green coat in Ireland, it's a nod to the nation. A bit of thought and courtesy.
It's certainly not "cosplaying". There is actually such a thing as diplomatic dressing.

I think Angela Kelly said the late Queen had a dress (gown) with white shamrocks sewn on to it but underneath was a little green shamrock. Maybe I just dreamed that.

In the history of the world there was a time when Yasser Arafat and Bill Clinton and a Jewish leader - was it Mr. Rabin, I'm not sure - stood outside in the USA, to have their photos taken, and the Jewish man and the Palestinian reached across Bill Clinton and shook hands. It was an important photo of its day. However, I remember someone pointing out that the two men had not sat down to eat together, and when that happens, if it would ever happen, then you would really know that progress had been made. I know regression on a massive scale has happened since then, but it just emphasised to me the value of the eating together.
Last night's Newsnight was handing out plaudits to Keir Starmer and the King.

That's interesting, @upinaballoon . Sitting down together to eat is so much more than a meal.

“ breaking bread together “ is a time honoured way of cementing relationships throughout history!

I think diplomacy can be very subtle and nuanced, can't it? The Diplomatic Corps certainly have to do their homework!

but it just emphasised to me the value of the eating together

Yes. And where I live to refuse a meal with someone even if you’re mega peed off with them, or even just have your differences, is very bad form. It’s a very big thing to be invited to eat to the extent that your host can and will even put food on your plate for you. And if eating in the traditional style it’s not uncommon for the host to pick up something for you to eat and offer you the first morsel of food. They’ll either then place it in front of you on the communal dish for you to help yourself to, or they’ll give it to you to take and pop in your mouth. But I’ve also had it in the past where if I was taken to eat with the men on the day the best bit of the meat would be passed to my husband for him to feed me with.

Eating together is good for the soul.

I know there is such a thing as diplomatic dressing. I know designers are important. But the flag thing? Surely nobody can think that’s anything but crass. And sexist, actually-nobody would ever suggest Charles, William and Macron wore red, white and blue suits!

Ah yes — because nothing screams “crass” quite like three women thoughtfully coordinating their gowns to reflect the national colours of the UK and France at a state banquet specifically designed to celebrate diplomatic ties. Heaven forbid a little symbolism at an event built entirely on it.

And as for it being “sexist” — well, when Charles starts rocking up in floor-length gowns with a floral clutch, I promise we’ll start dissecting his colour palette too. Until then, maybe — just maybe — consider that women in public roles often use fashion strategically. Not because they’re being objectified, but because they’re smart enough to know that clothing can say what protocol can’t.

Honestly, I’m quite glad we have the royals out there shaking hands and dropping symbolic references like pros. If it were up to you and your “tea and lunch” diplomacy, we’d be dishing out Greggs sausage rolls on paper plates and triggering a trade war before the Yorkshire tea was served. Imagine offering Donald Trump just “tea and lunch’ and calling it a day. His ego would rupture before the mains, and we’d be slapped with tariffs just for the audacity.

There’s quite the nod to red, white and blue going on amongst the men (and Brigitte) too

Also, what Edward is wearing is an adaption of a suit known (I think) as Windsor wear that’s worn by the men of the family when there’s a formal dinner being held at Windsor Castle. Not that William wore it the other night but he still went with his nod to red, white and blue.

This is the Windsor uniform with the breeches but nowadays the men wear trousers though I have seen pictures of the King wearing breeches for evening wear.

It’s swings and roundabouts. You might say that regarding the women, but in our society men don’t get much choice at all ( in the real world - unless they’re Grayson Perry). In formal contexts men are usually confined to black, grey or dark blue.

I don’t think it’s sexist at all.

Yes - as pps say, it’s about symbolic acts of respect and reverence. If Trump were involved, then sure, it would be about ego, as far as he’s concerned. But for Heads of State with more normal psychology and greater maturity, it’s a very ancient convention of welcoming, hosting, honouring and publicly demonstrating mutual respect and goodwill.

it always gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling (except where Trump is concerned) and gives me hope for a kinder and happier world.

I'm laughing at this thread... it's as if there's nothing in between a State Banquet and a MaccyDs on a formica table, Greggs sausage rolls and paper plates!

I'm sure they've eaten sumptuously during the whole of this State visit... bet there's been afternoon tea on bone china, croissants for breakfast flown in from France maybe, and the most delicious lunches ever.

Tricky when Trump comes again, he doesn't eat all the fancy stuff... just burgers, well done steak, fries and tomato sauce, I wonder how they catered for him last time!

And look at the hoo ha by some on here when they decided William's suit wasn't the right colour for the Pope's funeral. 🙄

It’s called humour.

Let’s be honest — if the main event were just a few cucumber sandwiches and scones, even served on the finest china, it might feel more like a polite gesture than a grand welcome. Hosting is about wooing and impressing your guest, after all — and what’s more impressive than a carriage ride, a castle sleepover, and a lavish banquet thrown entirely in your honour?

Personally, I’d much rather be courted by the Royals in full formal regalia at a state banquet than sit down for tea and a limp lunch with Keir Starmer. But if you can get both? Even better. It simply shows how valued you are — that your host is pulling out all the stops to give you the very best of British hospitality.