King Charles postpones first state visit as monarch amid violent protests in France
By Karishma Sarkari|
K?ing Charles announced on Friday morning (10pm AEDT) that he is postponing his trip to France this weekend, amid ongoing fiery protests and mass strikes.
It was set to be the 74-year-old's first state visit since becoming monarch, followed by a trip to Germany, which is believed to still be taking place next week.
Escalating tension towards the French government's pension reforms led to the change of plans, with a national day of protest announced during the King and Queen Consort's visit.
READ MORE: ?Queen Margrethe announces return to work after extensive back surgery
News of the postponement first came from French President Emmanuel Macron's office, which was later confirmed by the royals in a short statement.
"The King and Queen Consort's State Visit to France has been postponed," Buckingham Palace said.
READ MORE: Prince William spotted dining at 'inclusive' Polish restaurant on royal tour?
"Their Majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found."
The Elysee Palace in France said that the French and British governments had made the decision together after a call between Macron and Charles on Friday morning.
"This decision was taken by the French and British governments, and after a phone call between the French president and the King this morning," they said.
"So that his majesty will be welcomed in conditions which correspond our friendly relationship... this state visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible."
A UK government spokesperson added that while it was a group decision, it had come at the request of the French.
"This decision was taken with the consent of all parties, after the President of France asked the British Government to postpone the visit," the British prime minister's Downing Street office said in a statement.
The British monarch and Queen Consort were due to travel to France on Sunday for a trip that would have seen them visit Paris and Bordeaux.
This was due to be followed by a two-day visit from Wednesday to Germany, which UK media outlets report will go ahead as planned.?
"King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla WILL still visit Germany (Berlin and Hamburg) as planned on Wednesday-Friday," ITV's royal editors Chris Ship tweeted.
The royal couple are scheduled to arrive in Germany on March 29, where they will be welcomed with military honors by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Berlin's landmark Brandenburg Gate.
Steinmeier will host a state banquet in their honour during the visit.
On Thursday, the King is set to give a speech to the Bundestag, Germany's parliament, meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and talk to Ukrainian refugees and military.
His Majesty then travels to Hamburg on Friday, where he will visit the Kindertransport memorial for Jewish children who fled from Germany to Britain during the Third Reich, and attend a green energy event before returning to the UK in the evening.
Buckingham Palace had announced Charles' visit to the two biggest European Union countries three weeks ago.
The move underscores Britain's efforts to build bridges with its European neighbours following years of strained relations caused by Brexit.?
"The visit will celebrate the UK's relationship with France and Germany, marking our shared histories, culture and values,'' the palace said.
"It is also a chance to look forwards and show the many ways our countries are working in partnership, whether that be to tackle climate change; respond to the conflict in Ukraine; seize trade and investment opportunities or share the best of our arts and culture.''
Highlighting the significance of the trip is the fact that it will be the first state visit by a British monarch in eight years.
The late Queen Elizabeth II, Charles' mother, stopped traveling abroad in her later years, with a state visit to Berlin in 2015 her last.
- Reported with Associated Press and CNN.?
?For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
