UK (Commonwealth Union)_ On Thursday, King Charles III became the first British monarch to make a speech from France’s senate chamber praising the “indispensable relationship” between the United Kingdom and its neighbor. He mentioned that the relationship was “as firm as it has ever been”.
King Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, are on a three-day state trip to France, visiting Paris and Bordeaux, concluding Friday. The tour which was originally planned for March was postponed amid widespread demonstrations over President Emmanuel Macron’s pension overhaul.
The 74-year-old sovereign was given an enthusiastic welcome to the chamber and received a standing ovation from parliamentarians as he entered. When Queen Elizabeth II, his late mother, visited in 2004, she made her speech from the adjoining Salle des Conferences.
His Majesty vowed that he would seek to strengthen UK-French ties, saying “For the time that is granted to me as King” and added, “Together, our potential is limitless.”
King Charles, whose speech comes 231 years to the day since France abolished its own monarchy and established a republic, spoke of being privileged to have been invited to speak by the two presidents of the two houses making up France’s parliament.
He highlighted some of his strongest words during his address, to rebuke Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while also urging further action to tackle the climate crisis.
His Majesty King Charles told lawmakers at the Palais du Luxembourg, where the French Senate is located, that over 80 years since they fought, side by side, for the liberation of Europe, they once again faced unprovoked aggression on their continent.
His Majesty continued by saying “Our alliance and our resolve are as important as ever. Together, we stand in resolute solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Together, we are steadfast in our determination Ukraine will triumph, and that our cherished freedoms will prevail. These horrifying events have once more demonstrated the fragility of so much that we hold dear. Just as we stand together against military aggression, so must we strive together to protect the world from our most existential challenge of all, that of global warming, climate change and the catastrophic destruction of nature”.
King Charles kept deftly flipping between French and English throughout his address, his joke warning against “low blows” but wished: “may the best man win” eliciting laughter from around the room, as France hosts the men’s Rugby World Cup.
