King and Queen Consort’s state visit to France postponed following violent protests

The King’s first state visit of his reign has been postponed after widespread unrest in France erupted into violence over President Emmanuel Macron’s retirement age reforms.

The official trip will be rescheduled as soon as possible, the Elysee Palace said in a statement.

A joint decision was taken by the British and French governments after trade unions called for a further day of nationwide strikes and demonstrations against the controversial pension changes during the visit by the King and Queen Consort.

The three-day trip to France, which was to begin on Sunday and be followed by a state visit to Germany, had been in the planning by the UK and host nations for months, aimed at strengthening ties between Britain and its European allies.

The trip to Berlin, which will now be the first state visit of the King’s reign, will proceed as planned between 29 and 31 March.

The postponement will be a major embarrassment to Mr Macron, who had hoped the trip would mark a symbolic step in the two countries’ efforts to turn a page after years of poor relations post-Brexit.

It was also seen as a coup for the French leader who has sought to position himself as Europe’s de facto leader.

In a statement, the Elysee Palace said: “In light of yesterday’s announcement of a new national day of action against pension reforms on Tuesday, 28 March in France, the visit of King Charles III, originally scheduled for 26 to 29 March in our country, will be postponed.

“This decision was taken by the French and British governments, after a telephone exchange between the president of the Republic and the King this morning, in order to be able to welcome His Majesty King Charles III in conditions that correspond to our friendly relationship.

“This state visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible.”

A statement issued by Buckingham Palace said: “The King and the Queen Consort’s state visit to France has been postponed.

“Their majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found.”

A UK government spokesman said: “This decision was taken with the consent of all parties, after the president of France asked the British government to postpone the visit.”

It is understood the arrangements for the trip had been under review for some days and measures were being considered to reduce contact with the public.

President Macron is facing renewed public anger for pushing through a law raising the retirement age by two years to 64 without a vote in parliament.

France’s CGT union announced this week its members at Mobilier National, the body in charge of providing flags, red carpets and furniture for public buildings, would not help prepare a Sunday reception for the king upon his arrival in Paris.