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

Yes! WTAF ??

Tease!

Oh sorry, Whackamole, I wasn’t trying to be mysterious. I just didn’t want to bore everyone by going into the much-mentioned ordeals which William has gone through in addition to the stress of his father’s and Catherine’s cancer.

Nothing new or ‘spicy’!

You would have to wonder what is going on with her

I think you'd have to go back 30 odd years to wonder what is going on with her.

I think William has had a horrific time in the last few years. He must have gone through such conflicting emotions regarding Harry, then had to witness the dirty laundry being washed in public without being able to challenge all the nonsense coming out of Montecito. His grandmother who was the rock of the family died, then his father and his wife were diagnosed with cancer. He must have had very dark moments thinking about his own children losing their mother. And underneath all this there's the knowledge of what his future holds as king one day. I think most of us would struggle with all of that.

I do hope that Brigitte can get the necessary help as needed. Maybe if foreign trips are too much for Brigitte, Macron can simply travel solo.

But I did side-eye commentators that were mocking Macron. IMHO, the callous comments showed why many men who face domestic violence remain silent.

I think Catherine’s Dior outfit was stunning couture. But this time she didn’t manage to pull it off. I think it’s because she’s become so very, very thin and tired. It’s happening with my aunt right now (minus the couture). Honestly, she doesn’t look well enough yet. She’s doing the things, but she seems a bit bored by it, or maybe less dazzling/dazzled. She just seems, well, like she’s been through the mill and is still going through the mill. Same with the evening gown: it was flat on her because it hung off her and she just looked swamped by it. She has always worn her clothes; on this occasion they wore her. And she’s got Wimbledon coming up this weekend. Honestly, I think she has returned too soon. She needs a summer break and no pressure and rest (cue wails of her being lazy from the usual quarters).

People underestimate the effects of chemotherapy until they or someone close to them goes through it.

I agree with you on all this. She spoke about how she feels recently and I thought it was quite revealing. She said something like she doesn’t know who she is anymore and is still trying to find her way. I think she should have a complete year off. She also desperately needs to put on weight. The veins stand out on her arms and they are so thin it’s painful. Her face is just so gaunt.

Totally agree. God knows how he’s got through it.

BP knows Catherine breaking news globally. In the US, NBC tweeted "The sparkle has returned to Windsor" and other outlets posting very flattering tweets. IMHO, the last thing anyone in the palace wants is another Diana situation, where the Windsors are accused (rightly or wrongly) of harming another Princess of Wales. I expect Catherine's return is being very carefully managed.

IMHO, Catherine looked fine in the various photos. I do not understand the view that she is gaunt...I would reserve such an adjective for someone starving in a famine.

I also think that it was not a showstopper dress because it was not meant to be a showstopper moment. With an elderly Queen and an elderly French First Lady, plus with headlines already screaming about Catherine's first state dinner since 2023, the most gauche and undiplomatic move would have been to show stop.

Tatler have a lovely photo where Brigitte Macron looks very engaged with Catherine and William

Of course Catherine is not going to upstage Camilla !
I am old enough to remember the day Diana had a new hairdo for an event ( State opening of Parliament?) and the next day all the headlines were about that . The late Queen was - allegedly- not pleased .
I thought the POW looked lovely but still frail .

I’ve been thinking about it. The look of shock and horror on his face yesterday was awful.

Anyway, this is the second time we’ve witnessed the President being disturbed/knocked off his stride within a minute or two of having to meet other high ranking dignitaries and I suspect it’s no co-incidence.

The man must have nerves of steel to be able to go from what we’ve seen to him recovering within seconds and carrying on with his job.

Yes I remember that as well.

I remember the new hairdo as well. I seem to recall it was an updo.

Did that dinner really cost £2M……?

@CurlewKate I've no idea but if so it will pay for itself with business deals from the goodwill the visit has created. I know this much because of the business we’re in.

I read £230 000 for the State banquet somewhere (but no idea where!)

And when people mention the cost of the RF and their activities - a huge part of that surely is staff wages.

I see it as a perfectly legitimate industry, and a very successful one, which employs lots of very specialised and expert staff. I doubt the food and wine, however exquisite, or the floral arrangements, cost that sum - it will probably be all the beautifully uniformed flunkeys and security arrangements which eat the money.

I don't see a problem. We don't want foreign heads of state having a Maccy D's at a formica table, do we?

I agree - don't have a problem with it - just recalled the number. It may have been on the BBC live text feed on the day.

How is that calculated?

I don't know what I think about the state Banquets but they are not that often, they serve a purpose. Very grand occasions but Elton John looked bored senseless, I suppose he is used to being the centre of attention normally! Mick Jagger was having a blast.

I imagine that if you are not sat next to anyone interesting it would be exceedingly boring once the grandeur of the occasion had worn off

They are normally held at Buckingham palace but it was Windsor castle for this one for some reason

State banquets are just that and happen in countries without a monarchy!
try harder.

What a very odd comment on my reasonable post discussing state banquets saying they are grand occasions that serve a purpose. Some posters seem very defensive.
How strange. I am assuming that was directed at my post, perhaps not given the 'try harder' comment!

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