In a historic moment that marked a significant milestone in Franco-British relations, King Charles received a standing ovation following his address at the French Senate. This event stands as the first instance where a British monarch has had the opportunity to speak before representatives from both houses of the French parliament.
King Charles delivered his speech in impeccable French, showcasing his linguistic prowess. He briefly switched to English for certain segments, captivating the audience with his linguistic dexterity. Notably, as King Charles began his address, French politicians in attendance pulled out their smartphones to capture the moment, demonstrating the significance of this occasion.
Despite the historical and diplomatic significance of King Charles’ speech, the viewership on the Royal Family’s official YouTube channel was somewhat modest, with fewer than 10,000 individuals tuning in. This figure appears surprisingly low when considering the substantial subscriber base of the channel, which boasts over 1 million subscribers.
Notable royal author and correspondent Robert Hardman, ahead of King Charles’ coronation earlier this year, voiced concerns about the monarchy’s future relevance. He underscored the importance of the monarchy being visible and present in the public eye, stating, “The big threat to the future of the House of Windsor is not mobs storming the gate, it’s not revolution, it’s becoming irrelevant. The queen always used to say we have to be seen to be believed.”
King Charles’ visit to France has received extensive coverage in the French media, reflecting the significance of the event in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. Furthermore, images of the visit have prominently graced the front pages of nearly all major British newspapers, emphasizing the significance of this historic moment in Franco-British relations.