The King received a warm welcome from French politicians while he delivered a historic speech as the first British monarch to speak at the country’s senate.
Members from both the upper and lower houses of parliament in France stood and applauded him at length, as he declared “the United Kingdom will always be one of France’s closest allies and best friends“.
The partnership between the two nations “remains utterly vital as together we confront the challenges of this world,” he said, switching from French to English.
It was the first time a British royal has spoken from the Senate Chamber in Paris
On the second day of their state visit, the King and Queen Camilla also headed to Saint-Denis, north of Paris, to meet community sports groups and stars as France hosts the Rugby World Cup.
There, the King also met with the Paris Saint-Germain’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who gave him the football club’s No. 3 shirt – in a nod to the monarch’s status as the third King Charles.
Brigitte Macron and Queen Camilla laugh during their visit to the Bibliotheque Nationale de France (BNF – French National Library)
Paris Saint-Germain’s president Nasser al-Khelaifi presents King Charles with the football shirt
The King spoke with young athletes while the Queen exchanged a few balls with Prithika Pavade, a 19-year-old French table tennis player.
The King laughed as his wife practised hitting the ball before the Queen challenged Brigitte Macron to a game.
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The Queen showcases her table tennis skills
Queen Camilla takes her eye off the ball during a round of table tennis. Pic: AP
Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron with the chief executive of Chanel, Leena Nair
King Charles waving to members of parliament after his speech
The wife of Emmanuel Macron appeared to get the better of the royal as they played for a few minutes in a well-spirited match.
The Queen also tried her hand at weaving at French luxury fashion house Chanel’s 19M workshop, with Brigitte Macron and the luxury brand’s chief executive Leena Nair watching on.
