King Charles III of the United Kingdom will undertake his first overseas journey since ascending the throne in 2022, visiting France and Germany at the end of March. Buckingham Palace confirmed the long-planned trip, underscoring the close ties between Britain and its European partners and highlighting shared histories, cultures, and values. The agenda also includes discussions on climate action, investment, and the ongoing situation in Ukraine, reflecting a broad range of bilateral and international priorities. This trip signals the enduring bond between the nations and a commitment to collaborative efforts on global challenges.
France will host the initial leg, beginning March 26 with official engagements centered in Paris and culminating in a formal visit to the Élysée. The monarch will also meet with members of France’s parliament in a bid to emphasize the depth of Anglo-French cooperation. A state visit to the Palace of Versailles is planned, followed by activities in the Bordeaux region, including a consular inauguration and related outreach. The trip is described as an honour that highlights the long-standing historical relationship between the two countries.
The itinerary then shifts to Germany on March 29, with stops planned in Berlin and Hamburg. The visit includes a state dinner hosted in the king’s honor. Acknowledging the significance of the relationship, German leaders frame the trip as a reaffirmation of friendship and partnership across Europe, extending beyond Brexit and into a broader, cooperative European framework.
The foreign policy conversation surrounding the visit will touch on climate policy, energy transition, and economic collaboration, alongside discussions on security and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. German officials have emphasized a desire to foster close and constructive ties with the United Kingdom, reinforcing a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity across Europe. The leaderships in both nations view this journey as an important moment for reinforcing bilateral cooperation and regional solidarity.
Official visits before the coronation
Throughout the engagements in France, the royal itinerary includes formal addresses to legislative bodies and civic audiences, underscoring the importance of parliamentary and public diplomacy in strengthening transnational bonds. In Paris, Dijon, and Bordeaux, the king’s engagements are designed to showcase the resilience of traditional alliances while highlighting new collaborative programs. This sequence demonstrates how ceremonial duties and substantive policy dialogue can work together to advance shared goals on climate, trade, and cultural exchange.
The visit to Germany follows a parallel theme of friendship and partnership. In Berlin and Hamburg, the king will participate in state-level ceremonies and receptions, reinforcing a long-standing partnership that remains relevant in today’s geopolitical landscape. The overall message is to reaffirm friendship, continuity, and mutual respect among European allies.
The involvement of both France and Germany in this high-profile foreign trip illustrates a purposeful European movement toward deeper cooperation, even as each nation navigates its own post-Brexit realities and global challenges. Leaders emphasize that, despite evolving circumstances, close ties with the United Kingdom remain a priority for European stability and shared prosperity.