French paratroopers land on British soil as President visits

French paratroopers descended over RAF Brize Norton as President Emmanuel Macron was welcomed with full ceremonial honours in Windsor, highlighting the defence-heavy theme of this week’s State Visit.

According to the British Army, the simultaneous airborne drop by the French Airborne Brigade, using British parachutes, tested joint operational readiness between the UK and France. It coincided precisely with President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron’s arrival at Windsor & Eton Riverside, where they were greeted by Their Majesties The King and The Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

More than 950 tri-service personnel and 70 horses took part in ceremonial duties, drawn from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Bands from all three services lined the processional route, playing music that celebrated centuries of Franco-British military cooperation.

“A State Visit is a formal visit by a foreign Head of State to the United Kingdom, during which His Majesty The King acts as the official host of the visitor. State Visits play an integral role in strengthening Britain’s relationships with countries across the world. This one has defence and security front and centre from the start,” said the Ministry of Defence.

As President Macron stepped onto the Royal Pavilion in Datchet Road, a 41-gun Royal Salute was fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Windsor, with a simultaneous salute by the Honourable Artillery Company from the Tower of London.

Escorted in a ceremonial carriage by The King, The Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, President Macron’s procession was flanked by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in full dress. Major Charles Onslow of the Blues and Royals, commanding the Captain’s Escort, said: “Escorting His Majesty on a State Visit is a very special privilege. All the soldiers of the Regiment have worked tremendously hard to ensure that the occasion was memorable and went according to plan.”

At Windsor Castle, Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards formed a large Guard of Honour, displaying their richly embroidered State Colours. The Massed Band of the Grenadier and Scots Guards played “L’Entente Cordiale” as the President inspected the troops with The King.

The day also included an address by President Macron to the House of Lords, where he was welcomed by dismounted Household Cavalry troopers and fanfares by State Trumpeters. In the evening, a State Banquet in St George’s Hall featured performances by the Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra and pipers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Military cooperation remains a pillar of UK–France relations, from the 2010 Lancaster House Treaty to ongoing deployments and joint training. Last year, both nations marked the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale with reciprocal Changing of the Guard ceremonies in London and Paris.

On Wednesday, the visit continues with a banquet at London’s Guildhall hosted by the Lord Mayor. The Honourable Artillery Company will mount a Guard of Honour with the King’s Colour, and the Band of the Household Cavalry will provide a fanfare.