What's happened
French President Emmanuel Macron will make a state visit to the UK from July 8 to 10, 2025. This visit, which includes a summit with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marks a significant diplomatic engagement following years of strained relations post-Brexit.
What's behind the headline?
Significance of the Visit
- Diplomatic Relations: This visit symbolizes a potential thaw in UK-France relations, which have been tense since Brexit.
- Historical Context: The last state visit from France was in 2008, highlighting the rarity of such high-level engagements.
- Political Implications: The meeting between Macron and Starmer could set the tone for future UK-EU relations, especially in light of ongoing discussions about trade and migration.
Future Outlook
- Potential Outcomes: This visit may lead to renewed cooperation on various issues, including security and economic partnerships.
- Public Perception: The visit could influence public opinion in both countries regarding their bilateral relationship, especially among those concerned about post-Brexit ties.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, King Charles will host Macron at Windsor Castle, emphasizing the royal family's role in fostering diplomatic ties. The Independent notes that the visit will include a state banquet, showcasing the ceremonial aspects of the engagement. Bloomberg highlights that this visit follows a state visit by Charles and Queen Camilla to France in September 2023, indicating ongoing efforts to strengthen ties. Politico mentions that the summit aims to demonstrate the depth of connections between the two nations, which have been strained in recent years.
How we got here
The upcoming visit is the first state visit from a French president to the UK since Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008. Relations have been complicated by Brexit and issues like migration across the English Channel.
Go deeper
- What topics will Macron and Starmer discuss?
- How has Brexit affected UK-France relations?
- What is the significance of state visits?
Common question
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What to Expect from Macron's Upcoming UK Visit in July 2025?
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit the UK from July 8 to 10, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in UK-France relations post-Brexit. This visit comes after years of strained ties and aims to address key diplomatic issues. Here’s what you need to know about the visit, including the main topics of discussion and its potential impact on bilateral relations.
More on these topics
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Brigitte Marie-Claude Macron (French: [bʁiʒit maʁi klod makʁɔ̃]; née Trogneux [tʁɔɲø], previously Auzière [ozjɛːʁ]; born 13 April 1953) is a French former teacher. She is the wife of Emmanuel Macron, who has served as President of France an
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Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality.
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Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is strongly associated with the English and succeeding British royal family, and embodies almost 1000 years of architectural history.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.