King Charles leads Macron to Queen’s resting place and Royal Garden

King Charles is set to personally guide President Emmanuel Macron through a meaningful day of diplomacy, heritage, and remembrance on Wednesday, as the State Visit continues.

The day will begin with a tour of the Windsor Castle Gardens, where King Charles who also serves as Ranger of Windsor Great Park will showcase key nature restoration and biodiversity projects across the Gardens and the wider parklands.

In a nod to historic royal ties, the King and President Macron will reunite with Queen Camilla and First Lady Brigitte Macron to admire a beautifully preserved Charabanc carriage from the Royal Mews. 

The ornate carriage, gifted to Queen Victoria by French King Louis-Philippe in 1844, stands as a symbol of the long-standing Franco-British friendship.

Their Majesties will also introduce them to Fabuleu de Maucour, the striking grey gelding gifted by President Macron to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 in honour of her Platinum Jubilee.

The visit will take on a moment of solemn reflection as the French President and First Lady privately pay tribute at Queen Elizabeth’s tomb in St George’s Chapel, laying flowers in a gesture of deep respect.

In London, President Emmanuel will turn his focus to the future on Wednesday as he visits an AI and Emerging Technology Innovators Exhibition at Imperial College. 

There, he'll engage with leading academics and researchers driving the UK’s cutting-edge advancements in science and tech.

The French leader will then head to Downing Street, where he and First Lady Brigitte Macron will join Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer for a private lunch. 

The meeting comes ahead of Thursday’s high-level UK-France summit, set to take place at Number 10.

Capping off a dynamic day, the Macrons will attend a glittering banquet at Guildhall in the City of London, hosted by the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation. 

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will represent the Royal Family at the evening affair. 

Both President Macron and the Lord Mayor are expected to deliver speeches following the dinner, reinforcing the strength of the UK-France relationship.