Prince William and Princess Kate are front and center as the United Kingdom welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron for a high-profile state visit.
On July 8, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, were the first members of the royal family to officially greet the French delegation, welcoming the Macrons at RAF Northolt in Greater London shortly after their arrival at around 11 a.m.
For the occasion, Princess Kate made a notable fashion choice: she wore Dior for the first time, selecting a blush-colored 30 Montaigne Bar Jacket from the French label’s 2024 collection, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri. The elegant look paid homage to Dior’s iconic 1947 “New Look,” known for its sophisticated structure and feminine silhouette. She completed the ensemble with a matching Jess Collett hat, pearl earrings that belonged to Princess Diana, and a necklace from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection—a subtle but powerful nod to French culture through fashion diplomacy.
Prince William, as heir to the throne, is frequently called upon to represent King Charles at major diplomatic events. Princess Kate often accompanies him, including at December’s state banquet for the Emir of Qatar. That appearance marked one of Kate’s few public engagements during her ongoing recovery from cancer. She recently shared that she is in remission but described the aftermath of treatment as “really difficult” during a July 2 visit to Colchester Hospital.
Following the greeting at the airbase, the Macrons traveled with the royal couple to Windsor, where they were formally received by King Charles and Queen Camilla. As is customary, royal salutes were fired in Windsor’s Home Park and at the Tower of London to mark the occasion.
Later, President Macron and his wife joined the King and Queen in a ceremonial carriage procession through Windsor. William and Kate followed in a separate coach as they made their way to Windsor Castle.
Upon arrival in the castle’s Quadrangle, a second royal salute was performed, and both the French and British national anthems were played. President Macron and King Charles then inspected the Guard of Honour before the group entered Windsor Castle for a formal lunch in the state dining room. A private viewing of French-related artifacts from the Royal Collection followed in the Green Drawing Room.
Later in the afternoon, the French president and first lady returned to London to visit Westminster Abbey, where they laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. They also toured the historic church before heading to the Palace of Westminster. There, President Macron addressed Members of Parliament and Peers in the Royal Gallery.
That evening, the Macrons returned to Windsor Castle for a lavish state banquet hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla. Due to continued renovations at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle—where the late Queen Elizabeth spent much of her final years—was chosen as the venue.
During the banquet, King Charles delivered a speech addressing current global challenges, including the war in Ukraine and rising immigration pressures.
“Our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions,” the King said. “As friends and allies, we face them together. These challenges know no borders—no fortress can protect us against them. Our nations share not only values but the tireless determination to act on them.”
The Macrons will stay at Windsor Castle during their time in the U.K.—a fitting choice, as it also served as the Queen’s primary residence during her final years.
This state visit comes less than two years after Charles and Camilla were hosted in France, where they attended a glittering banquet at the Palace of Versailles. Queen Camilla dazzled in Dior couture and royal sapphires, a fitting echo of the elegance and symbolism on display this week in Windsor.
