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.”

King Charles III highlighted the crucial bonds between the United Kingdom and France in the face of a “multitude of more complex threats,” as he welcomed President Emmanuel Macron for the first state visit by a European leader to his country since Brexit.

President Emmanuel Macron is on a state visit to Britain, the first of a French leader since 2008. His hosts are drenching him in pomp, pizazz and protocol.

Princess Kate joined her husband Prince William, King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Tuesday as they kicked off France's state visit to the U.K. The royals gathered at RAF Northolt in Windsor, England, to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at the start of their three-day state visit.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived in Windsor for the start of a three-day state visit – the first by a French president since 2008. Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed the dignitaries when they touched down at RAF Northolt in West London,