King Charles has postponed a state visit to France at Emmanuel Macron’s urging as protests against the French president’s pension reforms turn violent.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The decision was taken with the consent of all parties after the French President asked the British Government to postpone the visit.”
The King was due to accompany the Queen to Paris on Sunday for a three-day visit before leaving for Germany; A itinerary that was seen as a coup for Mr Macron, who has sought to establish himself as Europe’s de facto leader.
Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen Consort “are looking forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates are available”.
Mr Macron’s plan to raise the state pension age has sparked a wave of anger in France. More than 450 protesters were arrested in Paris and on Thursday, as nearly 300 demonstrations drew more than a million people across the country.
key points
King Charles postpones Paris visit amid pension riots
11:20 , liam james
King Charles’s state visit to France has been postponed after French President Emmanuel Macron asked the British government to do so, the British Prime Minister’s Office said, amid widespread rioting in Paris and elsewhere over pension reforms.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The decision was taken with the consent of all parties after the French President asked the British Government to postpone the visit.”
King’s trip to France postponed as protests continue over Macron pension reforms
Palace says King ‘looking forward’ to visit
11:32 , liam james
Buckingham Palace issued the following statement: “The King and Queen Consort’s State Visit to France has been postponed.
“Your Excellency looks forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as the dates are available.”
Charles and Camilla were due to travel from France to Germany for a state visit from next Wednesday to Friday, and it is understood the trip to Berlin will go ahead as planned.
Source: www.bing.com
