President Emmanuel Macron of France is currently on a momentous state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first such visit by a French leader in 17 years. Accompanied by his wife, Brigitte Macron, the French president is receiving a warm and lavish welcome including a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage ride with King Charles and a red carpet greeting.
This visit underscores a commitment between the two nations to address significant global issues, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine and matters related to immigration. In a noteworthy development during the visit, President Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to lend the historic Bayeux Tapestry, a remarkable 230-foot embroidery that illustrates the Norman Conquest of England, to the British Museum next year. This marks its first journey to Britain since fabricating about a millennium ago.
The tapestry's loan was initially proposed in 2018, emphasizing collaboration between the two countries. In a reciprocal gesture, France will borrow ancient artifacts from the UK, including the famous Lewis chessmen and treasures from the notable Sutton Hoo discovery in 1939.
President Macron made headlines during a speech to the UK Parliament, humorously highlighting the lengthy negotiations surrounding the tapestry's loan: “It probably took longer to finalize this project than it did to finalize all the Brexit agreements.”
Tonight, the French president will partake in a prestigious banquet at Windsor Castle, further reinforcing the enduring ties and shared history between France and the UK.
This visit underscores a commitment between the two nations to address significant global issues, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine and matters related to immigration. In a noteworthy development during the visit, President Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to lend the historic Bayeux Tapestry, a remarkable 230-foot embroidery that illustrates the Norman Conquest of England, to the British Museum next year. This marks its first journey to Britain since fabricating about a millennium ago.
The tapestry's loan was initially proposed in 2018, emphasizing collaboration between the two countries. In a reciprocal gesture, France will borrow ancient artifacts from the UK, including the famous Lewis chessmen and treasures from the notable Sutton Hoo discovery in 1939.
President Macron made headlines during a speech to the UK Parliament, humorously highlighting the lengthy negotiations surrounding the tapestry's loan: “It probably took longer to finalize this project than it did to finalize all the Brexit agreements.”
Tonight, the French president will partake in a prestigious banquet at Windsor Castle, further reinforcing the enduring ties and shared history between France and the UK.
