King Charles switched between English and French in a state banquet speech that warmly celebrated the deep cultural, political and historic ties between the UK and France. That partnership would be vital in the alliance supporting Ukraine, said the King, in “defence of liberty and freedom from oppression.”

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Britain on Tuesday (July 8), for the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit in a trip aimed at celebrating the return of closer political ties between the countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron began a three-day state visit to Britain on Tuesday which will see him address parliament and try to rekindle a purportedly warm relationship with King Charles III. Macron and his wife Brigitte were greeted off the presidential plane at an air base northwest of London by heir-to-the-throne Prince William and his wife Catherine,