The first day of the French State Visit concluded in Windsor Castle’s Great Hall, where 160 guests gathered for a white-tie and tiara banquet. In a speech at the start of the evening, the King introduced the new 'Entente Amicable' as he celebrated France as “one of our strongest allies” during a glittering state banquet in Windsor Castle’s Great Hall.
In a speech peppered with jokes that saw the King seamlessly transition between speaking in French and English, Charles spoke of the deep-rooted bonds between the two nations. Discussing the “multitude of complex threats” France and the UK now face, Charles said that “as friends and as allies, we face them together”.
“My firm belief is that friendship between Britain and France is vital if the liberties and peace of Europe are to be preserved,” he said. And as he wrapped up his speech to guests dressed in white-tie and tiaras the King introduced a new Entente to rapturous applause. "An Entente not only past and present, but for the future - and no longer just cordiale, but now amicable".
