Why has Charles postponed his visit to Paris and when will it now go ahead? Q&A on King’s cancelled trip to France
- King Charles has postponed visit to France, which was set to begin on Sunday
- He was due to travel to Paris and Bordeaux with Camilla, the Queen Consort
King Charles has postponed his state visit to France, as the country faces continued protests over pension reforms.
The Elysee Palace in France confirmed the trip had been suspended over fears for the King’s safety.
Charles’ trip to Paris and Bordeaux was set to begin on Sunday but demonstrations have turned increasingly violent in both cities.
The town hall in Bordeaux was set alight by protesters, whilst tear gas was fired in the French capital.
So, why has Charles postponed his visit to Paris? When will it now go ahead? Read on below for all you need to know.
Charles and Camilla were due to travel to Paris and Bordeaux as part of a state visit to France
Why has Charles postponed his visit to Paris?
A joint decision was taken by the French and British governments to postpone the King’s visit, in order to protect his safety.
Security fears escalated after protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed pension reforms became violent.
When will Charles’ Paris visit go ahead?
Charles’ state visit was cancelled at short notice, so a re-arranged date for the trip has yet to be announced.
King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, were meant to travel on to Berlin. It is not yet clear if they will do so.
With Charles’ coronation ceremony set for 6 May, the Royal Family have a busy upcoming schedule.
Why was Charles visiting Paris in the first place?
Charles was due to attend a number of events in Bordeaux and Paris, including making a speech at the Senate, the upper house of the French parliament.
Protesters had already threatened to target the Royal couple, saying he is not welcome in the republic during a period of social chaos.
Beyond riots, anti-Macron protests in France have included some 10,000 tonnes of rubbish building up on the streets of Paris after binmen withdrew their labour.
Rubbish has piled high across the streets of Paris as binmen went on strike to protest against the reforms
Highlights of the historic tour included Charles and Camilla joining their French hosts, President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, for a ceremony of remembrance and wreath laying at the Arc de Triomphe.
Afterwards, the foursome were to be part of a procession down the Champs Elysees towards the Elysee Palace, the French president’s official residence.
Camilla and Mrs Macron were due to officially open the new Manet and Degas exhibition at the Musee d’Orsay while Charles gave an address from the senate chamber.
The King and Queen Consort were also due to visit Bordeaux, centre of the wine-growing region and home to many British expats.
They were due to visit an organic vineyard and Charles would have met emergency workers who tackled wildfires on the outskirts of the city last summer.
Protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed pension reforms have entered a tenth day
Why are there protests in France?
The French population are protesting against a proposed pension reform by Macron.
This reform would see the retirement age in France increased from 62 to 64 years old.
It would also force workers to contribute to the pension system for longer, as state pensions in the country are financed by a payroll tax.
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