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.”

PRIME DAY: The best deals in Canada selected by our Canoe shopping editors.

President Emmanuel Macron has called for Britain and France to move on from Brexit and work “side by side” on issues including migration and defence, declaring “let’s not allow the Channel to grow wider”.

Starting his state banquet speech in French, the King welcomed Macron before remarking that much has happened since his own royal tour of France in 2023. The UK and France "have stood ever closer since then", he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron has found himself in another awkward viral moment involving his wife and an airplane. A video clip showed his wife,

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, arrived in Britain on Tuesday for the start of a state visit as the two countries highlight their long friendship with conspicuous displays of military pomp,

The two leaders are set to confirm details of a strengthened defense relationship at a summit Thursday. An agreement on tackling unauthorized migration may also be announced.

The French president and PM Keir Starmer lay wreathes at the statue of Winston Churchill ahead of a state banquet in Windsor later.