The comment that earned King Charles this standing ovation
By Jo Abi|
King Charles became the first British monarch to speak from the French Senate chambers this week and his address earned him a standing ovation.
Charles, 74, spoke of "global" challenges including climate change and talked about the "indispensable relationship" between the UK and France.
"Quite simply, the United Kingdom will always be one of France's closest allies and best friends," he said.
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"For the time that is granted to me as King, I pledge to do whatever I can to strengthen the indispensable relationship between the United Kingdom and France จC and, today, I invite you to join me in this endeavour," the King continued.
"Together, our potential is limitless. Let us, therefore, cherish and nurture our entente cordiale. Let us renew it for future generations so that, I would like to propose, it also becomes an Entente pour la Durabilitจฆ จC in order to tackle the global climate and biodiversity emergency more effectively. "
To senate member's delight Charles referenced the Rugby World Cup being hosted by France and in which French, English, Welsh and Scottish teams are competing.
Here he spoke of the Prince and Princess of Wales' passionate support of the competition.?
"Millions of us visit each other's countries every year จC a joy that we are now rediscovering after the disruption wrought by the pandemic," he said.
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"Tens of thousands of British rugby fans are currently following their national team around France, enjoying the fantastic spectacle of the Rugby World Cup จC my son and daughter-in-law among them!"
He continued: ?"Even when our national teams are drawn up on opposite ends of the pitch, they do so with mutual admiration and a shared commitment to the rules of the game จC on which I will say only 'pas de coups bas, et que le meilleur gagne!'"
This translates into: "No low blows, and may the best win?!"
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Charles then thanked the group for the "deeply touching words of condolence" sent by the National Assembly and the Senate following the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.?
"You described Her late Majesty as having embodied the dignity of our own democracy and that as 'She loved France, France loved her'.
"I can hardly describe how much these words meant to me, and to my entire family. I can only thank you, and the people of France, for the great kindness you showed to us, and our people, at a time of such grief," he said.
?King Charles and Queen Camilla, 76, are in France for a state visit spanning France and Bordeaux.
?Earlier in the day Queen Camilla joined first lady Brigitte Macron to launch a new UK/France literary price called The Entente Littจฆraire Prize at the Bibliothจจque Nationale de France (BNF).
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The Queen chose a Fiona Clare coat and Chanel shoes with matching handbag and Cartier brooch.
Charles and Camilla also met with sports stars in Saint-Denis where ?France is hosting the Rugby World Cup.
Next the King and Queen and Brigitte Macron visited a coffee shop on the town square and spoke with beneficiaries of Objectif Emploi, an organisation in Saint-Denis that helps vulnerable young people to find careers, and representatives from The Prince's Trust International.
Queen Camilla met with a group of domestic abuse victims who had been assisted by La Maison des Femmes, a social and medical unit linked to Saint-Denis hospital.
Later, the King and Queen were welcomed at Notre Dame by locals who waved out of their windows at the royal couple.
One shouted: ?"Vive le Roi" which means "Long live the King" causing Charles to break into a smile.
Their Majesties were accompanied by President and Madame Macron to meet with firefighters who fought the Notre Dame fire in April 2019. They also met with artisan stonemasons who repaired statues damaged during the fire.
The previous evening at a state banquet held for the King and Queen in Paris King Charles spoke of the two country's firm friendship.
The reception was attended by dignitaries and celebrities alike including sir Mick Jagger and Hugh Grant.?