King’s state visit to France postponed after violent protests over Macron pension changes
The King’s first state visit of his reign has been postponed after widespread unrest in France erupted into violence over President Emmanuel Macron’s retirement age reforms.
The official trip will be rescheduled as soon as possible, the Elysee Palace said in a statement.
A joint decision was taken by the British and French governments after trade unions called for a further day of nationwide strikes and demonstrations during the planned visit by the King and Queen Consort.
The three-day trip to France, which was to begin on Sunday and be followed by a state visit to Germany, had been in the planning by the UK and host nations for months, aimed at strengthening ties between Britain and its European allies.
The trip to Berlin, which will now be the first state visit of the King’s reign, will proceed as planned between 29 and 31 March.
The postponement will be a major embarrassment to Mr Macron, who had hoped the trip would mark a symbolic step in the two countries’ efforts to turn a page after years of poor relations post-Brexit.
It was also seen as a coup for the French leader who has sought to position himself as Europe’s de facto leader.
In a statement, the Elysee Palace said: “This decision was taken by the French and British governments, after a telephone exchange between the president of the Republic and the King this morning, in order to be able to welcome His Majesty King Charles III in conditions that correspond to our friendly relationship.
“This state visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible.”
