The British monarchy – especially thanks to Elizabeth II – is one of the world's institutions with the most soft power, that capacity for influence and seduction that is difficult to measure but fundamental. In his visit to France, Charles III is showing himself a worthy heir of his mother in this sense, even less coy. He lavishes sympathy, looks into the eyes of his interlocutors, is interested in what they tell him, does not flinch if they touch him and makes constant jokes, with irony and style. French analysts sense the influx of Camil·la.
One of the duties of the King of England, like all constitutional monarchs, is to use his soft power to transmit the political messages that his Government wants. This is what he did yesterday in the French Senate. In his speech, almost all in impeccable French, Charles III acted as a spokesperson for the firm position of Downing Street since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. He predicted that "Ukraine will win", and to achieve this victory he bet on the support and relentless determination of London and Paris.
The sharp words of the British sovereign acquired particular relevance in the delicate context, in the face of a counter-offensive against the Russian invaders that is facing many difficulties and when serious differences are emerging between Kyiv and some of its main allies.
According to the English king, cooperation between France and the United Kingdom is "indispensable", now and in the future, to guarantee international peace. He recalled, in this sense, that both countries have a permanent seat and right of veto in the UN Security Council, they are members of the G-7 and NATO. The monarch evoked the figures of General Charles de Gaulle and Winston Churchill. The first fled to London in June 1940 and from there called for resistance against the Nazi occupiers. Churchill launched the bold idea of merging the two countries to better face Hitler's Germany.
"Today, more than 80 years after having fought, side by side, for the liberation of Europe, we are once again facing an unjustified aggression on our continent", said Charles III, without mentioning Russia by name. "Our determination and our alliance are more important than ever", he stressed, while promising lasting support for Ukraine until victory.
The King of England was able to introduce topics that are pleasing to him, such as the fight against the climate emergency and the protection of biodiversity. He encouraged the governments of both countries and their companies to act with energy. "Together, our potential is unlimited", he emphasized.
The royal couple had time to move to the suburban town of Saint-Denis, with a complicated social environment, which will host some of the main facilities of the 2024 Olympic Games. Accompanied by Brigitte Macron, Charles and Camilla they talked to the participants in various sports workshops. The Queen of England and the wife of the French president briefly played ping-pong, in which the latter proved more dexterous than the former with the racket. Charles III, always natural and professional, exchanged jokes with a former rugby player about the world championship being held in France. The king had the opportunity to greet several PSG players and its president, the Qatari Nasser al-Khelaifi. Brigitte and Camil·la visited a haute couture workshop of the Chanel house.
Another important meeting of the day was at Notre-Dame, where the royal couple were told about the progress of the works to restore the temple destroyed by the fire in April 2019 to its full glory. king was also at the Museum of Natural History. Macron took the opportunity to thank his guest for "the boost to biodiversity" that he has been giving for many years.
Neither Carles nor Camil·la - aged 74 and 76, respectively - showed apparent signs of fatigue despite the constant public engagements. On Wednesday they went to bed late, as there was the State dinner at Versailles, which concluded with a short dance. Another very active day awaits them today, Friday, with several events in Bordeaux, including a visit to an organic vineyard, before returning to London.
The memory of Elizabeth II is being very present in the visit. Reference is made to it in all speeches. Carles said that he had been "the golden thread that will always shine" in "the rich and complex tapestry" of relations between the two countries.
Before going to Notre-Dame, the kings of England passed through the nearby flower market, which Elizabeth II visited during her last stay in Paris, in June 2014, and which now bears her name. One of the anecdotes of the day took place there. Carles and Camil·la were accompanied by the mayor of Paris, the socialist of Gadí origin Anne Hidalgo. it was raining Everyone carried their own umbrella: the king's black, the queen's and Hidalgo's made of transparent fiber. The mayor's mistake in 2014, which was captured in an uncomfortable photo, is still remembered. Elizabeth II, aged 88, took her own umbrella, while the mayoress's was held by an assistant. Hidalgo corrected the error yesterday. He was wearing his The unpopular mayoress has learned a bit of soft power.
