The King’s first state visit of his reign has been postponed after widespread unrest in France erupted into violence over President Emmanuel Macron’s retirement age reforms.
The official trip will be rescheduled as soon as possible, the Elysee Palace said in a statement.
A joint decision was taken by the British and French governments after trade unions called for a further day of nationwide strikes and demonstrations over the controversial pensions changes during the visit by the King and Queen Consort.
The postponement will be a major embarrassment to Mr Macron, who had hoped the trip would mark a symbolic step in the two countries’ efforts to turn a page after years of poor relations post-Brexit.
The royal couple had been due to travel first to France for three days before moving on to Germany, an itinerary that had
been seen as a coup for the French leader who has sought to position himself as Europe’s de facto leader.
“The visit will be reprogrammed as soon as possible,” the Elysee said.
A statement issued by Buckingham Palace said: “The King and the Queen Consort’s state visit to France has been postponed.
“Their majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found.”
A UK government spokesman said: “This decision was taken with the consent of all parties, after the president of France asked the British government to postpone the visit.”
The state visit to Germany will go ahead as planned.
