Macron Welcomed by UK Royals at Windsor as State Visit Champions Anglo-French Friendship

Macron's Ceremonial Arrival in Windsor Signals Deepening UK-France Ties

It’s not every day that Windsor Castle is abuzz with royal pageantry for a French president. On July 8, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte swept into the royal spotlight as the UK rolled out its most glittering welcome. Right from the start, the Prince and Princess of Wales played hosts, setting a warm and personal tone as the Macrons stepped onto British soil for their state visit.

The real show began once the couple reached Windsor. Troops lined up smartly in red and black, the official band played both countries’ national anthems, and President Macron, visibly attentive, inspected the Guard of Honour side by side with King Charles III. It was more than a military tradition—it was a nod to the centuries-old, sometimes complicated, but generally robust friendship between Britain and France. The military honors on display traced the long, intertwined legacies of these two European giants, who have faced both wars and alliances together.

Culture, History, and Royal Glitz

The Windsor ceremonies offered a feast for anyone fascinated by royal customs or diplomatic symbolism. After the formalities in the castle’s Quadrangle, The King and Queen brought Macron and his wife inside for a low-key but elegant private lunch. The royal hosts took the opportunity to show off a bit of shared history: a series of French artifacts from the Royal Collection that connect the British and French monarchies over the ages. The highlight? A delicate champagne glass gifted over a century ago to King George V and Queen Mary, a subtle nod to the enduring tradition of French hospitality and British appreciation for fine things.

People close to the event say the First Lady, Brigitte Macron, was especially captivated by these relics, engaging in lively conversation with Her Majesty about the stories behind each piece. Moments like these, though informal, often lay the groundwork for future cooperation and goodwill.

As twilight fell, formality returned, this time wearing black tie and diamonds. Guests—including senior royals, diplomats, artists, and business leaders—gathered in the candlelit halls of St George’s Hall for a grand State Banquet. The King, standing shoulder to shoulder with the French President, toasted the enduring spirit of cooperation, occasionally sprinkling in a bit of French for charm. Macron echoed those sentiments, underlining the modern challenges both nations face, from security to climate, while celebrating the joint cultural tapestry that binds them together.

The Macron state visit wasn’t just about ceremony, though. Behind the scenes, advisers on both sides discussed everything from trade and defense to climate change and the future of Europe. Upcoming days in Windsor promise more private talks and public spectacles meant to reinforce not just old ties, but a shared vision for navigating a rapidly changing world. The choreography at Windsor might look elaborate, but every handshake and shared glass of champagne points to a message both countries seem eager to send: in an unpredictable world, the Anglo-French alliance isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.