King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to host President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs Brigitte Macron of France for a State Visit to the United Kingdom from 8th to 10th July 2025, the Royal Household officially confirmed in May. This announcement represents an important diplomatic event in the King’s ongoing program of international engagement and public service.
Windsor Castle to Host French State Visit in July 2025
Buckingham Palace announced on 13 May 2025 that Their Majesties The King and Queen will receive President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs Brigitte Macron for an official State Visit. The visit, scheduled for Tuesday 8 July to Thursday 10 July 2025, will include ceremonial welcomes, diplomatic meetings, and a State Banquet at Windsor Castle【source: Royal.uk】.
This will be President Macron’s second State Visit to the UK, following his 2020 visit during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The visit underscores the historic diplomatic alliance between the United Kingdom and France, reflecting shared commitments to defense cooperation, trade, cultural exchange, and climate action【source: UK Government Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (GOV.UK)】.
Official Statement from Buckingham Palace
Such State Visits are typically planned many months in advance in consultation with the UK Foreign Office, the host nation’s embassy, and Buckingham Palace. They involve ceremonial processions, military honors, and bilateral discussions on key policy areas.
BBC News, Reuters, and The Guardian all covered the announcement, highlighting its importance for reinforcing Franco-British ties during a time of evolving European cooperation.
The Role of Windsor Castle in State Diplomacy
Windsor Castle, a royal residence for over 900 years, is the favored venue for hosting State Banquets and formal receptions under King Charles III’s reign. The Castle offers historic symbolism, representing the continuity of the monarchy and its constitutional role as the UK’s ceremonial head of state.
During State Visits, Windsor Castle typically hosts:
- An official ceremonial welcome on the Quadrangle with military honors.
- An inspection of the Guard of Honour.
- A formal State Banquet in St George’s Hall, attended by senior royals, government leaders, and invited guests.
- Cultural and diplomatic events showcasing bilateral friendship.
Royal.uk regularly updates the public on schedules, guest lists, and ceremonial traditions for such events.
Prince Harry’s Public Comments on Family Relationships
In parallel to these official royal engagements, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has continued his own public and charitable work. Residing in Montecito, California with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Harry remains involved in charitable foundations and public advocacy.
In a verified interview with BBC News earlier this year, Prince Harry acknowledged tensions over security arrangements related to visits to the UK. He spoke candidly about the challenges of maintaining communication with his family, stating his broader hope to reconcile in the future.
BBC, Sky News, and ITV News reported on Harry’s comments in context, noting his concerns about family unity and health. However, it is important to emphasize:
- There has been no official statement from King Charles III or other senior royals responding to these comments.
- Buckingham Palace has maintained its policy of not commenting on private family matters, in line with long-standing protocol.
Verified coverage by Reuters and The Guardian confirms that no official response has been issued, and the palace continues to focus on its planned diplomatic and ceremonial calendar.
Prince Harry’s Ongoing Charitable Commitments
Beyond public comments on family ties, Prince Harry remains actively engaged in charitable work, especially supporting veterans and mental health awareness. Verified initiatives include:
- Invictus Games Foundation: Founded in 2014, the Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel. Harry serves as Founding Patron and regularly attends games and planning meetings【source: InvictusGamesFoundation.org】.
- Archewell Foundation: Launched with Meghan Markle in 2020, the foundation supports community projects, mental health initiatives, gender equity, and global relief efforts. The Archewell.com website documents donations, partnerships, and grants.
- African Parks: Harry serves as President of African Parks, focusing on wildlife conservation and sustainable community development across Africa【source: AfricanParks.org】.
These commitments underscore Harry’s focus on service, community, and mental health advocacy, even while living outside the UK.
Royal Family’s Approach to Private Family Matters
The Royal Family traditionally maintains strict privacy regarding personal relationships. As confirmed by Royal.uk and repeated in statements by Buckingham Palace, senior royals do not issue public commentary on family discussions or personal disagreements.
As of June 2025, there has been no verified confirmation that King Charles III or other senior royals have scheduled private meetings with Prince Harry in connection with the upcoming State Visit or any other event.
Conclusion: A Focus on Diplomacy and Service
As King Charles III and Queen Camilla prepare to welcome President Macron and Mrs Macron to Windsor Castle in July 2025, the Royal Household continues its essential constitutional role—representing the United Kingdom’s diplomatic interests, traditions, and culture on the world stage.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry continues to advocate for causes he has long championed, from supporting wounded veterans through the Invictus Games to funding mental health resources via the Archewell Foundation. While private family dynamics remain off the record, both sides demonstrate a continued commitment to public service, leadership, and charitable impact.
Verified Sources:
- Royal.uk – Official Website of the British Royal Family
- BBC News – Royal Family Coverage
- Reuters – Official Royal Reporting
- Sky News – UK Royal Coverage
- ITV News – Royal Events
- The Guardian – Royal Family Analysis
- Invictus Games Foundation
- Archewell Foundation – Official Website
- African Parks – Conservation Leadership
