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Royal family recap: Princess Kate wears Givenchy gown, King Frederick greets Duchess Sophie with a kiss, and more


The King and Queen will host President Macron at Windsor Castle


 France's President Emmanuel Macron clinks glasses with Catherine, Princess of Wales© Getty Images
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Phoebe TathamNews and Features Writer
Francesca ShillcockDigital Travel Editor
Beatriz ColonNew York Writer - New York
Katie DalyLifestyle Writer
Updated: July 8, 2025
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TODAY'S ROUND-UP

  • France's President Emmanuel Macron begins three-day state visit to the UK
  • Carriage procession with the King and Queen in Windsor before ceremonial welcome
  • Prince William and Princess Kate attend State Banquet at Windsor Castle with King and Queen, President and First Lady
Website Editor

Sneak preview of King Charles' speech

King Charles addresses 'profound sadness' on tragic anniversary© Getty
King Charles' state banquet speech sounds powerful

King Charles is set to pledge his allegiance to France in a powerful speech delivered during the state banquet tonight. We've got a sneak preview of his speech, which will reflect on 1,000 years of "shared history and culture between our two peoples".

He will begin: "For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other," adding that he remains "in awe of France’s extraordinary attributes and achievements."

The monarch will also state that this partnership remains vital in facing the many challenges of today, saying: "Our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions. As friends and as allies, we face them together. These challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time".

Finally, Charles will state that Britain and France can help lead the way in confronting them, because: "Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world."

We'll keep you posted on Charles' speech, as it happens, later...

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News and Features Writer

State visit agenda

Good morning, 

We have an exciting day of royal watching ahead, and plenty of pomp and pageantry, as France's President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron begin their three-day state visit to the UK. Here's what you can expect from the day:

The Prince and Princess of Wales will meet Mr and Mrs Macron at RAF Northolt on Tuesday morning on behalf of the King and travel with them to Windsor.

The King and Queen will then formerly greet their guests on a Royal Dais constructed on Datchet Road in Windsor town centre. 

The royals and the Macrons will then take a carriage procession through the Berkshire town and along part of the Long Walk which leads to the castle. 

A ceremonial welcome will be staged in the castle’s quadrangle with Camilla, William, Kate and Mrs Macron watching as the King and Mr Macron inspect the Guard of Honour.

Lunch will be hosted in the State Dining Room, after which the president and his wife, the King and Queen and members of the royal family will view a special exhibition of items relating to France from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room.

Day one will conclude with a state banquet at Windsor Castle, where the King and the President are expected to both give speeches.

We'll be keeping you updated throughout the day with all of the latest news and images. 

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News and Features Writer

William's overseas trip

The UEFA Women's EURO 2025 is in full swing! And fans will be delighted to hear that Prince William will travelling to Switzerland on Wednesday to support the Lionesses.

In his role as Patron of The Football Association, Prince William will watch England take on the Netherlands in the Group Stage. 

Prince William visiting the Lionesses at St George's Park© Getty Images
Prince William visiting the Lionesses at St George's Park
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News and Features Writer

Amelia Windsor on living sustainably

Prince William and Prince Harry's third cousin Lady Amelia Windsor has long been vocal about her commitment to protecting the planet. 

In an interview with HELLO!, the model spoke about her approach to living sustainably, saying: "Living more sustainably has been a gradual process of learning and discovering,.

"The eco-friendly world is a space where people share knowledge and accept that you can’t be perfect, but the small changes you make can have a positive impact on you personally, as well as on the planet."

Amelia is HELLO!'s new sustainability columnist. Get more details here... 

Lady Amelia Windsor in a green dress© Jeff Spicer
Amelia is a dedicated eco warrior

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State visit details

The upcoming state visit is an historic one on several counts. 

It is the first to the UK by an EU head of state since Brexit, and the first to be staged at Windsor Castle in 11 years.

aerial view of windsor castle© Getty Images
The grounds of Windsor Castle cover 13 acres

What's more, it is also the first French state visit to the UK in 17 years since that of the former French president Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008.

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Monegasque style maven

Charlotte Casiraghi is a reliable source of fashion inspo - and her latest look in no exception! 

Stepping out on Wednesday, the Monegasque royal was a vision in sky blue as she attended the Chanel Haute Couture Autumn/Winter show. Princess Caroline of Monaco's daughter is a longtime ambassador for the French fashion house, and is frequently spotted 'in the frow'.

charlotte casiraghi in blue skirt suit© Getty Images
Charlotte rocked a baby blue skirt suit

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News and Features Writer

Why Windsor Castle is a special place for the royals

Windsor Castle holds a special place in the hearts of British royals. It's famously where the late Queen Elizabeth II grew up alongside her sister Princess Margaret, and has played host to a number of royal weddings including that of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 

It also serves as the backdrop to The Order of the Garter ceremony, as well as the hotly-anticipated Royal Windsor Horse Show. 

Penny Knatchbull and Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Windsor Horse Show© Getty Images
The late Queen adored spending time at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Curious to find out what Windsor Castle is really like? Get more details here

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Previous state visits to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle has played host to several state visits over the years, with the last one to take place in 2014, when the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins visited. 

Other historic state visits include that of the President of Poland in 1991, King Olav of Norway in 1988, Queen Margrethe of Denmark in 2000, and King Hussein and Queen Dina of Jordan in 1955. 

Queen Margrethe at the start of her state visit at Windsor Castle © Getty Images
Queen Margrethe at the start of her state visit at Windsor Castle

 

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News and Features Writer

Maternity label worn by Kate enters administration

Some sad news for Princess Kate just in! The maternity fashion firm, whose clothes were worn by the Princess of Wales during her pregnancies, has collapsed into administration.

Seraphine appointed administrators from Interpath on Monday in a move that has seen the majority of its 95 staff made redundant.

The retailer struggled amid rising costs and a difficult backdrop for consumer spending. While the brand sought to find a buyer, it was unable to secure a sale. 

Princess Kate wearing a baby blue coat crafte by materninty label Seraphine© Getty Images
Princess Kate wearing a baby blue coat crafted by materninty label Seraphine

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Macron arrives

Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron have arrived at RAF Northolt! In preparation for their disembarkment, a red carpet was rolled out. 

red carpet rolled out of plane for state visit © Alamy Stock Photo
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William and Kate greet Macron and his wife

William and Kate arrive to greet France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron © Getty Images
William and Kate arrive to greet France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron

The Prince and Princess of Wales were all smiles as they arrived to greet Macron and his wife. For the special occasion, Princess Kate donned a putty-hued tulle skirt and a matching jacket. She spruced up her look with strings of pearls, nude pumps and a saucer hat topped with a bow. Perfection! 

William, meanwhile, looked dapper in a smart navy suit and a patterned tie to match. 

See all the best photos from the first day of the state visit here

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Princess Kate's Wimbledon wardrobe

For fashion fans, Wimbledon is almost as synonymous with Princess Kate's stellar style choices as it is with scorching serves and fearsome forehands.

Princess Kate smiling and wearing a purple dress on Centre Court© CameraSport via Getty Images
Princess Kate wowed Centre Court in purple last year

In her guise as The Royal Shopper, over on The HELLO! Royal Club, Leanne Bayley delved into the fashionable royal's SW19 wardrobe through the years, provided some affordable alternatives, and predicted what she might opt for this week.

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A warm welcome

After disembarking the plane, the French president warmly shook Prince William's hand. He subsequently took Kate's hand and delivered an air kiss. 

Others presented as part of the welcoming committee were Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, RAF Northolt station commander Group Captain Jonathan Hough, the King's ambassador in Paris Dame Menna Rawlings.

Emmanuel Macron shaking hands with people; Prince William and Kate Middleton are with them© Getty Images
Macron pictured shaking hands with guests after disembarking the plane

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Travel details

The King and Emmanuel Macron will travel together through Windsor in the 1902 State Landau, followed by the Queen and Brigitte Macron in the Semi-State Landau.

The third carriage, the Ascot Landau, will carry the Prince and Princess of Wales who will accompany France's armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu and French culture minister, Rachida Dati.

The final two Ascot Landau carriages will ferry French officials including Helene Duchene, the French ambassador to the UK, and General Fabien Mandon, chief of the military staff.

kate travelling in car after greeting macron and wife © Getty Images
Princess Kate leaving by car after greeting Macron and his wife
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Lifestyle Writer

Good afternoon!

Good afternoon, royal fans! HELLO!'s Lifestyle Writer, Katie Daly, here!

I'll be bringing you the latest news on the Prince and Princess of Wales' day with President Macron and more as the afternoon unfolds. Stay tuned!

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Lifestyle Writer

A right royal welcome

The King and Queen have arrived to greet France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, ahead of a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle.

king shakes brigitte macrons hand beside emmanuel macron and queen camilla© Getty
Emmanuel Macron (L) and Brigitte Macron (R) are received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla

The King and Queen arrived by car at Dachet Road in Windsor after travelling from the castle.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the state limousine made its way down to the dais as the national anthem played out.

Charles grinned as he took the hand of Brigitte Macron, who smiled warmly back before offering Camilla a kiss on each cheek.

President Macron's wife looked chic in a fitted white dress and gold accessories. 

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Glorious in green

Queen Camilla looked glorious in green as she accompanied King Charles by car at Dachet Road in Windsor after travelling from the castle, ready to meet Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron.

President of France, Emmanuel Macron, King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron on the Royal Dais © Getty
The queen looked fabulous

Camilla, 77, wore a bright emerald green chiffon dress by Anna Valentine with three-quarter-length sleeves and a shin-skimming skirt.

It was accessorised with a hat by Philip Treacy in the same jewel hue. The royal also sported an emerald and diamond brooch that belonged to the late Queen.

As they stood chatting, Emmanuel Macron placed his hand on the King’s back warmly. Meanwhile, Brigitte Macron greeted the Queen with "la bise" – the customary French greeting of a double air kiss on the cheek.

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King Charles' eye trouble

Overnight, the King experienced a burst blood vessel in his right eye, which is said to be unrelated to any other health conditions. 

King Charles in a blue suit, there is a burst blood vessel in his left eye© Getty
King Charles has a burst blood vessel in his eye

However, Charles powered on. Both Charles and Camilla spoke with guests on the dais in Windsor as the military band trumpeted out ahead of the Macrons’ arrival.  The monarch was also seen chatting enthusiastically with President Macron, who affectionately tapped Charles on the back.

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A royal carriage procession

The carriage procession arrived at Windsor Castle, where military units awaited a ceremonial welcome. 

King Charles and Emmanuel Macron riding in a carriage© Getty Images
King Charles and Emmanuel Macron riding in a carriage

A guard of honour, formed by the Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards bearing their state colours, stood central. President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte joined the King and Queen on a dais, with the Prince and Princess of Wales nearby. 

Macron and the King exchanged warm words, with the President touching the King's back. The elaborate display also included the Military Knights of Windsor, a Household Cavalry detachment, and the King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard.

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Kate and William join the procession

The Prince and Princess of Wales also joined the procession.

The Princess of Wales and Prince William in royal carriage© Getty
They took an Ascot Landau

They were seen riding in an Ascot Landau on a state drive to Windsor Castle. The ride put Kate's Dior outfit on full display, as well as her Jess Collett bow-adorned hat.

The royal couple were last seen in a royal carriage together on Garter Day in June. Kate sported a white Self-Portrait look with a triple string of pearls that was reminiscent of today's Dior ensemble. 

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A royal salute

A royal salute was given by the soldiers on parade. Warmly welcoming President Macron and his wife, the French national anthem was also played while Major Jake Sayers, captain of the guard of honour, spoke in French to Macron.

Members of the Scots Guards march up Cambridge Drive© Getty
Members of the Scots Guards march up Cambridge Drive ahead of the Ceremonial Welcome

He told the visiting head of state: “Your excellency, the guard of honour of the Grenadier Guards and Scots Guards is present and ready for your inspection.”

The French leader was joined by King Charles as he walked past the guardsmen who had formed two lines on the quadrangle of Windsor Castle. At the same time, the Massed Band of the Grenadier Guards and the Scots Guards played L’Entente Cordiale.

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A 41-gun salute for President Macron

During the recent presidential visit, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, fresh from firing a 41-gun salute for President Macron's arrival in Windsor, paraded past distinguished guests. 

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, President of France, Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron review military in bear skins© Getty
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, President of France, Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron review the Guard of Honour

They were followed by the Captain’s Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, which had earlier escorted the carriage procession through Windsor. 

Concluding the display was the guard of honour which completed a grand military spectacle for the royal party. The King and Queen were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales as the royals host the French president and his wife on a three-day state visit.

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Bonjour!

Earlier today, Charles greeted Brigitte Macron warmly, placing a kiss on her hand.

Brigitte Macron (R) is received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Datchet Road on July 08, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs Brigitte Macron visit the UK in the first visit State Visit made by France in 17 years.© Getty Images
A warm welcome

The greeting took place before a 41-gun Royal Salute was simultaneously fired from Windsor and the Tower of London. 

President Macron is scheduled to address members of Parliament at the House of Lords today. This will take place in the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords. He will be welcomed with additional ceremonial honours, including a staircase lined with Household Cavalry troopers and fanfares played by the Band of the Household Cavalry.

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A joint honour

At Windsor Castle, a Guard of Honour, including Grenadier and Scots Guards, was inspected by the President, accompanied by the King.

ing Charles III and President of France, Emmanuel Macron at Windsor Castle during a Ceremonial Welcome for the state visit to the UK of the President of France Emmanuel Macron © Getty Images
King Charles and the President of France at Windsor Castle during a Ceremonial Welcome

Over 950 British Armed Forces personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, and Royal Air Force, supported by 70 horses, participated in the parade led by Major General James Bowder.

Concurrently, French and UK paratroopers from the 11e Brigade Parachutiste and 16 Air Assault Brigade conducted joint jumps over RAF Brize Norton, showcasing the close operational ties of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force.

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Kate and William pack on the PDA

Kate and William looked so sweet together as they welcomed President Macron and his wife at Windsor.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales on the Royal Dais at Datchet Road on July 08, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs Brigitte Macron visit the UK in the first visit State Visit made by France in 17 years© Getty
Kate and William looked loved-up

Kate was seen laughing warmly as she placed her hand softly on William's back.

The French President and First Lady were welcomed with full ceremonial honors at Windsor Castle, marking the first State Visit held there since 2014. 

King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted them at Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, then led a carriage procession through the town, observed by crowds and accompanied by military bands and the Household Cavalry.

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William and Kate head inside

Stepping inside Windsor Castle, William and Kate were among those invited to view an exhibition of art and literature from the Royal Collection.

France's Minister of Culture Rachida Dati alongside Kate and William view an exhibition of art and literature from the Royal Collection © Getty
France's Minister of Culture Rachida Dati alongside Kate and William view an exhibition of art and literature from the Royal Collection

The royal couple was seen interacting with France's Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati. 

The Princess of Wales, a former art history student, jokingly remarked: "I should know" when viewing a portrait of young Louis XIV. 

She also admired Charles I's annotated Shakespeare folio, praising the beautiful French handwriting. Kate expressed her appreciation for its history with an "Oh wow" and a smile at William.

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The Duchess of Edinburgh arrives

The Duchess of Edinburgh has arrived at Windsor Castle to accompany William and Kate in viewing the Royal Collection exhibition in the Green Drawing Room.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh view items on display© Alamy Stock Photo
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh view items on display in the Green Drawing Room

Sophie, 60, looked lovely in a blue and white polka dot Beulah London dress. She wore her sandy blonde hair in a chignon updo and accessorised with statement earrings and silver eyeshadow reminiscent of the early 2000s.

It was a joint outing for the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as Prince Edward joined his wife at Windsor.

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Kate's curtsy hat-trick

Earlier today, the Princess of Wales was observed performing a curtsy three times. 

Kate Middleton smiling in pink jacket and coat© Samir Hussein/WireImage
Kate curtsied three times to the King and Queen

She greeted President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron at RAF Northolt, then traveled to Windsor. Upon meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla, Kate curtseyed to the King twice and then to the Queen before exchanging a kiss on the cheek. Watch the video here!

Royals typically curtsey or bow when seeing the King and Queen for the first time each day. This state visit is being held at Windsor Castle due to ongoing refurbishments at Buckingham Palace.

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Inside the Royal Box

Taking a short break from the news of the French state visit to bring you the latest on who is in the Royal Box at Wimbledon today!

Sienna Miller, Jodie Foster and Oli Green court-side on day nine of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships© WireImage
Sienna Miller, Jodie Foster and Oli Green court-side on day nine of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships

A rare public appearance was made by the King's cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto, who attended the Championships alongside her husband, Daniel Chatto. Actress Sienna Miller led the well-dressed A-listers alongside her beau, Oli Green.

Other acclaimed actors in the Box included Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen, who was all smiles in the front row while American actress Jodie Foster watched with intent.

Elsewhere, actor Richard E. Grant and Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins, who was joined by her husband, Andrew Levitas, took their seats.

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King Charles' 'tight' state banquet security

Ahead of the state banquet at Windsor Castle tonight, we're giving you the full lowdown on the security required to keep guests safe while at these events.

Queen Camilla and King Charles© Getty
Queen Camilla and King Charles during a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2023

Former royal chef Graham Tinsley MBE revealed to HELLO! that all food, containers, knives, and kitchen equipment are X-rayed. 

Catering staff are also escorted to the venue from a police station. These stringent measures are heightened when Heads of State are present, with some high-profile events even employing code names. Get all the details here!

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