King Charles makes historic statement never before done by UK monarch in France
King Charles has made a historical statement in the French Senate today.
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King Charles has made a historical statement in the French Senate today.
The King became the first UK monarch to speak in upper house of the French Parliament this morning.
Charles spoke in both English and French during the speech and thanked France for their tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
The King said: "You described the late Queen, Her Majesty as the embodiment of British democracy with true dignity and in all permanence.
The King became the first UK monarch to speak in upper house of the French Parliament this morning.
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"I cannot describe just how important these words for me and for my family, all I can do is thank you and thank the people of France for the great kindness you expressed to us and all of our people at a time of great sorrow.
"In the rich and complex tapestry of the relationship between France and the United Kingdom, my mother’s golden thread will forever shine bright. Let it inspire us all."
WATCH NOW: King Charles's historic speech in French Senate
King Charles also championed the relationship between France and the UK.
The King said: "Inspired and encouraged by my grandmother’s and my late mother’s example, France has been an essential part of the fabric of my own life for as long as I can remember.
"Indeed, as I have been astonished to discover, this is my thirty-fifth official visit to France.
"Each and every time, I have been struck by the warmth of the welcome I have always received, and by the immense good that can be accomplished when France and the United Kingdom work together.
"Now, on the occasion of my first State Visit to France, my belief in the indispensable relationship between our countries is as firm as it has ever been."
King Charles championed the relationship between France and the UK.
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Eric Bocquet, senator and Chair of France-UK friendship group of the French Senate hailed Charles's State Visit as further strengthening ties between the two countries..
Bocquet told GB News: "So it's a new visit by the monarch, by the British monarch.
"So of course it's great opportunity because Britain and France must go on having regular and strong relationship. We are neighbours.
King Charles spoke in both English and French during the speech
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The King thanked France for their tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
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"We are still although you’re not in the in the European Union anymore, but you are still part of Europe, OK, Dover is still the same distance from Calais. So nothing has changed.
"We must build a new relationship after this Brexit decision, which I respect, of course.
"Well, there's been no break in our relationship after Brexit, but this, this opens a new, a new era of our relationship between France and United Kingdom. It's a great honour for us."