French State Visit to Windsor

Irish State Visit to Windsor in 2014, image Doug Harding

It’s official!  A State Visit by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife Mrs Brigitte Macron will take place from Tuesday 8 July to Thursday 10 July. The President and his wife will stay at Windsor Castle.

The last State Visit to this country from France took place in March 2008. On that occasion, President Sarkozy and Mrs Carla Bruni-Sarkozy were the guests of Queen Elizabeth II, also at Windsor Castle.

Queen Elizabeth II hosted 113 state visits during her time as monarch, from 1952 until 2022.

Preparations for a State Visit, image Doug Harding

What is a State Visit?

A State Visit is a formal visit to the UK by a Head of State from overseas.  Its aim is to strengthen diplomatic, professional and personal relations between the two countries. 

There are usually two incoming visits every year, each lasting three or four days.  Planning for a State Visit is a coordinated effort between the government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Royal Household, and involves partnership working between all local agencies, including the council, police and transport services.

The visit will comprise of a series of engagements, including meetings with ministers and leaders of commerce and industry.  A State Banquet is usually held on the first night of a State Visit.

Windsor Castle during State Visit with Union flag and Royal Standard, image Doug Harding

Visits to Windsor Castle by foreign dignitaries

Windsor Castle has hosted several visits by foreign dignitaries in recent years, reflecting its role as a key venue for diplomatic engagements when Buckingham Palace is unavailable.

In recent years, King Charles III has welcomed the following notable guests to Windsor Castle:
•    King Hamad of Bahrain (November 2024): King Charles welcomed King Hamad to Windsor Castle, where the Bahraini monarch inspected a Guard of Honour from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.
•    King Abdullah II of Jordan (November 2024): King Charles hosted King Abdullah II to mark the Jordanian King’s Silver Jubilee. The visit included a Guard of Honour inspection in the Quadrangle.
•    President Joe Biden of the United States (July 2023): King Charles welcomed President Biden for a brief visit, which included a Royal Salute by the Welsh Guards and a Guard of Honour inspection in the Quadrangle, followed by discussions in the State Rooms.

French State Visit to Windsor in 2008, image Doug Harding

What to expect from a State Visit to Windsor

While plans are still being finalised, we expect – from previous occasions – that roads within central Windsor will be closed to traffic to allow people to line the ceremonial route to welcome the French President and his wife.  Union flags and the French Tricolour will also be prominently displayed.

We will share more details as we are made aware of plans,so do keep checking this page nearer to the time, and follow us on our social channels @VisitWindsorUK.