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

I thought that too. I wonder if she is deliberately trying to undermine and destabilise him.

Elton John is a royal pain. I seem to remember he sulked his way through H& M’s wedding. He was caught pulling a disgusted face at one point and his excuse was that the person sitting next to him, who had tried to chat to him, had awful halitosis. What a little charmer!

Great songwriter but not a nice man unless you’re important enough for him to suck up to I guess.

Good old Mick Jagger! He’s a real sport.

I didn't know that, how funny, he is soooo precious isn't he?!

I think he thinks of himself as really quite regal so didn't like he was sat with the other 150 guests!
I remember his Tantrums and tiaras documentary when he asked someone to turn the wind off because it was annoying him 🤣

Can I ask why you think that comment was a reply to you?
did I tag you?
did you question the amount spent?
there are other posters on this board!

I did wonder! It's not easy to know who a comment is directed to, when it's the one straight after mine. I apologise, glad it's confirmed that wasn't to me!

I don’t really understand what purpose they serve. Obviously soft diplomacy- but surely there are better ways to schmooze foreign dignitaries that are more personal and don’t cost as much?

Come on. Use your common sense and think about it. You’re smarter than a question as daft as that.

But just for you -,there will be trade deals done on the back of this visit now and in the future. It’s a huge part of what these visits are for. Did you really not know that?

I only saw Elton John, some sports people, and Mick Jagger! I presume there were business people invited. There were 150 guests, I'd need to see the guest list!

I think it’s also about humiliating him. But hopefully after yesterday it will be sorted one way or another and we won’t see the likes of it again.

@CurlewKate, this was obviously meant for you !
faux naive innocence .

I understand her sister died recently

Yes - I shouldn’t be mean because he has achieved great things from a not very promising start and I’m sure he’s still rather insecure, but there are so many stories of him being difficult and rude to people. He’s definitely VERY grand indeed!!😀

Yes her sister Anne Marie died aged 93, she was the oldest of the siblings. Who knows if they were close or not or whether sister disapproved of her relationship with Macron. Maybe they were very close and she is grieving hard. Who knows with that woman. I just don't like her, or at least the persona we see anyway.

I genuinely don’t see the point of them-in a monarchy or in a non monarchy. I can see why, for example, Trump would be super impressed. But if I wanted to soften up someone like Macron, I’d organise a very elegant weekend with lunches and teas with people -not necessarily politicians-that I’d checked in advance he wanted to meet. Strolls in the grounds with the King, the PM, the PofW. Very British stuff.

@Catarinabella yes, we knew about that and it’s no excuse for yesterday though It is a very valid reason to have cancelled coming to the UK in the first place. And it’s not as if she was crying yesterday and needing to be consoled. The Presidents wife got out a car, acknowledged the press greeting her and walked a few steps with her husband whilst smiling. Then when they were within arms reach of the Prime Minister she stopped walking and said something to the President that stopped him in his tracks then left him with with a shocked look on his face and his mouth hanging open for everyone to see and photograph.

I kind of see the point of them, but I do think the King shouldn't stray into politics in any way.

I do wonder how enjoyable they are.

Lunches and teas?! I don't think so!
A proper state dinner befits a Head of State. These occasions are a very common form of soft diplomacy, and the grandeur, pomp and circumstance is important. They occur in countries without a monarchy, and they serve a useful purpose.

There’s a standard they all have for these kind of things which is why the King and Queen were welcomed to France and entertained the way they were not so long ago.

And there would have been cups of tea and cake as well, we just weren’t party to that. There people would all have been having cups of tea and meetings as part of the trip also.

I don’t believe you’re not aware of these things but why you would deliberately make yourself look as unworldly as you’re doing is beyond me.

They are a Grand Occasion. It's about dressing up, wonderful food, beautiful tables, fine china and glassware. It shows the guest that the country is hosting you with a proper effort, as befits the respect to your nation.
A tea with a walk in the garden would not achieve the same effect.
Sorry, I know you didn't say that, but I was really just adding that a grand occasion could be enjoyable!

Indeed! As I already said!
honestly can you imagine the backlash from countries if their leaders were treated differently!! 🙄

Imagine. Yes, we don't think much of your country, so don't bother to dress up and we'll put the kettle on. Maybe a Mr Kipling Bakewell Slice! 😂

I know!!! , quick twirl round the garden , here’s your carrier bag of snacks! 🤣

and the headlines !!!!
“uk accused of snubbing French president “

” U.K. thinks France not worthy of proper respect “

All the PMs, Kings, Very Important People do like inspecting the troops and gun salutes and all that jazz.

I'm just hoping that Trump will forget his second invitation, he was a complete moron last time, chest all puffed up and walking in front the QE2. He is talking total BS at the moment so it might slip his mind.

Ik maybe I’d feel differently if going, the interest would be there.

Because that is OF COURSE what I was suggesting!