Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte will dine on Wednesday September 20 in Versailles with King Charles III and Queen Camilla. A state dinner which takes place as part of the official visit of the British sovereign to France, from September 20 to 22.
The President of the Republic and his royal guests will dine in the Hall of Mirrors. They will be treated to a musical interlude by Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich. The Elysée has not confirmed the number of guests, which are expected to be between 150 and 180.
A nod to Elizabeth II
The choice of Versailles was motivated by a historical nod to the second state visit of Queen Elizabeth to France, who visited the castle in 1972. The idea is also to promote France with a place recognized throughout the world, said the Elysée.
Charles and Camilla were initially scheduled to come to France in March. Their visit was postponed due to the social climate in France, marked by opposition to pension reform. The announcement of a dinner at Versailles caused an uproar at the time. Part of the National Furniture staff was also on strike in solidarity with British workers.