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

Ugh - the Ceaucescus! I’d forgotten them! You’re right - the Queen really had to grit her teeth on that occasion.

And let’s just reiterate once more for those who refuse to acknowledge it !
state dinners for foreign dignitaries happen all over the world whether that country has a monarchy or not .
france recently hosted us and spared no expense, not to return the favour would be an huge insult and lack of respect!
@CurlewKate, the royal family involvement is a red herring in this case! , this is not some republican battle cry about how much they are costing us taxpayers, this would happen with or without them.
allowing your dislike of the monarchy to cloud your reason , Is making you look like you are being goady on purpose.
and yes in this political climate wars have started for less!

The state visits and banquets between the UK and Ireland in 2011 and 2014 were honestly great examples of soft power in action.

The one hosted by Mary McAleese for the Queen at Dublin Castle was historic. It was full of symbolism, but there was a real warmth to it too. The Queen opened her speech in Irish (“A Uachtaráin agus a chairde”), which people appreciated. Then there was the moment she bowed her head at the Garden of Remembrance. Even Gerry Adams said she showed “genuine sympathy,” which tells you how much it landed.

I remember so many newspapers talking about the Queen’s speech at the state banquet and how powerful and healing her words were.

Then a few years later, the Queen hosted President Michael Higgins at Windsor Castle, and it felt just as significant. All the royal tradition and ceremony, but this time with Ireland as the guest of honour — including the Irish flag flying over Windsor, and a toast from Martin McGuinness. Pretty remarkable, all things considered.

Even The Guardian called the Queen’s visit “one of the most successful state visits of her reign,” and the Irish Examiner said it helped turn “enemies into neighbours and friends.”

Hard to argue with that really.

Cracking post!

Yes, I think some people grunt about state visits because they are based around the royals in this country, but of course they happen elsewhere and I'm sure, cost just as much. It's something the monarch can do to take the pressure of the elected leaders - I'm sure Keir is very appreciative of KC taking some of the strain! He's a busy man.

And (whisper it...) they all love a royal experience, however staunchly republican their principles! Royalty has a kind of glamour because of the traditions and history it references. Macron very sweetly made this point that 'we love monarchy...as long as it's not at home!'

I think our state visits are a perfect example of 'if it aint broke, don't fix it".

Indeed, @EmpressSisi . What an incredible example of what we're discussing. Those 2 examples of soft diplomacy managed to bridge a divide many thought would be impossible to do. To think that was achieved is amazing, given the history. I never thought I'd see the late Queen with Martin McGuiness.

@EmpressSisi

OMG - you're spot on. Yes, the Irish visit by HMTLQ was amazing and very moving to watch. It was a stunning example of soft diplomacy. The Queen's demeanour was perfection - she was so humble and unassuming, and made a great speech acknowledging the tragic aspects of Britain's policies in Ireland.

She went about her duties very quietly and and in an understated but respectful way, bowing her head at a memorial to Irish freedom-fighters.

They didn't allow spectators, I seem to remember,due to security concerns, but when she and Philip visited a Dublin market the banter and the warmth between the royals and the traders was just wonderful to see!

Of course - the Queen has a great personal connection with Ireland with all her horse-breeding activities so she's actually got a lot of friends there, on a personal level.

Ooh - I could add that Jeremy Paxman (that arch-sceptic) admitted that seeing the Irish visit converted him to the idea of constitutional monarchy. He felt that what was achieved could not have been achieved by politicians, and the symbolic power of the British crown basically apologising and paying respect to Irish suffering was immensely effective and moving.

Yes, I think some people grunt about state visits because they are based around the royals in this country, but of course they happen elsewhere and I'm sure, cost just as much.

Absolutely. Here’s just one example from Biden’s Presidency when he hosted the President of South Korea in 2023. Big welcome ceremony, joint press conference, Oval Office photos, address to Congress, dinner, lunch…sound familiar?

kr.usembassy.gov/2023-state-visit-of-the-president-of-the-republic-of-korea/

Here’s some photos of the Korean State Banquest at the White House - which had been specially decorated for the event, from the guests’ entrance to the banquet hall.

Stunning photos! These really are critical events, aren't they? I would think that the benefits would be almost impossible to calculate.

I so admire the Queen and Prince Phillip doing that for the sake of peace in Northern Ireland. I actually do believe it wasn’t just for the sake of the country. The Queen was a devout Christian and knew the importance of forgiveness.

And the French host State dinners at Versailles. So despite being a republic they can turn on royal levels of magnificence for important visitors.

You may have missed me saying that I know state banquets happen whether there is a monarchy or not.
I am a little surprised that you think a war would break out if there wasn’t a roll out of salmon en croute!

Fair enough. You did say however that you genuinely don’t see the point of them-in a monarchy or in a non monarchy. I suppose the fact that diplomats and statesmen and and women around the world support them as very important diplomatic tools makes you consider that, just perhaps, they know more than you?

Diplomatic dining is a tool of statecraft whose usefulness has been acknowledged by many politicians over the centuries.

Sociologists also note how sharing food is powerful motivator so can help to dispel tensions and foster beneficial relations among nations.

A deep dive into diplomatic dining

Interesting, thanks @My2cents1975 .

Quite! Royal in all but name..

Let’s put you in charge of diplomacy and see how it plays out when you welcome world leaders with a Pret sandwich, a Greggs sausage roll, and a mug of Twinings. You suggested “tea and lunch” — I’m sure that’ll have foreign dignitaries pleased. Or is it just the salmon en croûte that personally offends you?

This wasn’t just a fancy dinner — it was a carefully curated blend of British and French cuisine, designed to reflect shared culture and respect.

• Tarragon-stuffed Windsor lamb (British meat, French herb)
• Comté tartlets (French cheese with a British twist)
• Strawberry sable with elderflower cream — classic French technique meets British summer garden
• Served with English sparkling wine made by French Champagne house Taittinger at their Kent vineyard
• And a signature cocktail made with British gin, lemon curd, and French pastis, garnished with English rose and French cornflower — a literal drinkable entente cordiale.

So no, this wasn’t some royal jolly or taxpayer-funded tiara parade — it was soft power with taste, and an elegant diplomatic gesture entirely in line with international standards, with the full backing of the government.

But sure, let’s pretend a meal deal and a mug of tea would’ve done the same job.

@EmpressSisi 👏👏

“just pop down to Lidl for some picky bits, Em and Brige will love it” said Curlewkate no one ever

Oooh la la

You could have:

Baguette with Coronation Chicken Pate
Mini Vol-au-Vents with Prawn Cocktail
Stilton and Broccoli Quiche
Dauphinoise Potato Salad
Les Pigs En Duvets

Served with mugs of Yorkshire tea and tinnies of an English Gin and French Champagne cocktail that I like to call ‘French Soixante-Neuf’.

Bon Appétit!

Edit: Cannot believe I missed tinnies of Keir Royale and Emmanuel Macarons for pudding

Of course they might know more than I do. Also-it might, like so many things, just be the way things have always been done. Nobody has come up with a way of quantifying the benefit to the country of these events. How do we KNOW they are good for trade or prevent wars, or have all the benefits claimed for them?

I think you’ll find that CurlewKate said nothing of the sort either!

I love Catherine in the Dior pink tulle skirt and jacket and her hair was perfect.

I don’t like her red evening dress. I think it looks very autumnal/ wintery for the middle of summer. A lighter red and lose the cape somehow would make it look more suitable for this time of year.

There is literally an article posted just up thread that looks in to this very thing 😊