A HISTORIC STATE VISIT THE KING AND QUEEN HELLO! JOINS THEIR MAJESTIES ON A MEMORABLE THREE DAYS IN FRANCE

From a ceremonial welcome at the Arc de Triomphe to a star studded state banquet at the Palace of Versailles and a day trip to Bordeaux, the King and Queen certainly made an impression on their triumphant state visit to France, aimed at bolstering the Entente Cordiale between the two countries.

- EMILY NASH

HELLO! joined Their Majesties as they arrived in Paris to begin their three-day visit, which saw them warmly welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte and excited well-wishers.

His Majesty, showing he has inherited his mother Elizabeth II’s ability with language, addressed his hosts in fluent French and, while France may not have heard the cry “Vive le roi” much since the revolution, it echoed in the streets of Paris as the monarch – and his elegant wife – gave a masterclass in soft diplomacy.

Over the following pages, HELLO! takes you through the highlights…

DAY ONE

Arriving in warm sunshine, the King and Queen were welcomed at Paris-Orly airport by French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, as well as UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, Britain’s ambassador to France Dame Menna Rawlings and her French counterpart Hélène Tréheux-Duchêne.

The Queen looked radiant in a dusky pink Fiona Clare coat dress and beret-style hat by Philip Treacy, which she held on to as gusts of wind swept the tarmac.

After walking the red carpet through a guard of honour, the King and Queen where whisked away for a ceremonial welcome from President Macron at the Arc de Triomphe.

While the French leader bowed to His Majesty, his wife Brigitte greeted Her Majesty with a kiss on both cheeks, showing the warmth of the women’s blossoming friendship.