King Charles makes incredible speech at the French senate as he hails
King Charles III became the first British monarch to make a speech from France’s senate chamber on Thursday, praising the “indispensable relationship” between the UK and its neighbor which he said was “as firm as it has ever been.”
Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, are on a three-day state trip to France, visiting Paris and Bordeaux, concluding Friday. The tour was originally planned for March but was postponed amid widespread demonstrations over President Emmanuel Macron’s pension overhaul.
The 74-year-old sovereign was given an enthusiastic welcome to the chamber – receiving a standing ovation from parliamentarians as he entered. When his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, visited in 2004, she made her speech from the adjoining Salle des Conferences.
Charles vowed that “for the time that is granted to me as King” he would seek to strengthen UK-French ties, adding that “together, our potential is limitless.”
The King – whose speech came 231 years to the day since France abolished its own monarchy and established a republic – spoke of being “flattered” to have been invited to speak by the two presidents of the two houses that make up France’s parliament.
During his address, he saved some of his strongest words to rebuke Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while also urging further action to tackle the climate crisis.
“Now, more than 80 years since we fought, side by side, for the liberation of Europe, we once again face unprovoked aggression on our continent,” Charles told lawmakers at the Palais du Luxembourg, where the French Senate is located.
“Our alliance and our resolve are as important as ever. Together, we stand in resolute solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Together, we are steadfast in our determination Ukraine will triumph, and that our cherished freedoms will prevail.”
He continued: “These horrifying events have once more demonstrated the fragility of so much that we hold dear. Just as we stand together against military aggression, so must we strive together to protect the world from our most existential challenge of all – that of global warming, climate change and the catastrophic destruction of nature.”
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