French President Emmanuel Macron began a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom on 8 July, the first by an EU head of state since Britain left the bloc and the first French presidential visit since 2008. The trip opened with royal pageantry: Prince William and Catherine greeted the president and First Lady Brigitte Macron at RAF Northolt before they travelled to Windsor Castle for a ceremonial welcome from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Macron’s itinerary combines symbolism with diplomacy. He is scheduled to address members of both Houses of Parliament and to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer for talks that officials say will focus on migration across the Channel and closer defence cooperation. The visit is intended to signal a reset in bilateral ties after years of tension over Brexit and border issues. During a state banquet at the City of London’s Guildhall, Macron told British guests that the "UK is stronger in the European Union," underscoring his message that Paris wants London as a close partner on European security and economic matters. He is also expected to call for deeper collaboration on international crises and climate initiatives in his Westminster speech. The festivities were briefly overshadowed by concern for the monarch’s health when King Charles appeared with a bloodshot right eye. Buckingham Palace said the redness was caused by a minor burst blood vessel and was unrelated to his previous cancer treatment, adding that the condition does not affect the king’s duties.