Starmer and Macron's bromance strengthens London-Paris relations, "stronger than ever."

LondonWith more intimate moments, such as when Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, laid a bouquet of flowers on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in the chapel at Windsor Castle where she was buried, the second day of the French president's state visit In the United Kingdom, it continues to be a display of gestures and words to reinforce Franco-British ties, elevated to a new dimension after the tensions caused by Brexit. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, welcomed Macron and his wife this afternoon in Downing Street with the utmost cordiality to highlight the strength of bilateral ties.

"The relationship between the United Kingdom and France is stronger than ever," Starmer told television cameras, after they finished the four-person meal they shared, and the premier and the president raised the tone of the diplomatic representation in a two-person meeting to demonstrate to the public the excellent level of harmony between them.

The Prime Minister described the visit as "historic" and asserted that the series of official events—yesterday's reception, the summit scheduled for tomorrow, and this Wednesday's meeting—"are highly symbolic of the proximity between the countries" and between them "as leaders." Starmer stressed the importance of this "personal friendship" and said he is "very proud of a shared history full of moments of great historical significance."

Along these lines, he recalled the floral offering at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, held the day before, as a "reminder of the strength of this relationship." But he made it clear that the will is to look to the future: "Whether in defense and security, in the response to the war in Ukraine, in trade or business opportunities, we think alike and we work together," he said, before concluding: "It is a great pleasure to welcome you here, and I look forward to the discussions you have."

For his part, Macron expressed his gratitude for the welcome and celebrated the harmony between the two governments. "It is a great honor for me and my delegation to be here with you for this state visit and for the summit this Thursday," he said. The French president also emphasized that "the bonds of friendship between the two nations are very evident, as is our shared history." Macron highlighted the joint work of recent weeks, especially regarding Ukraine, and said that both the visit and the summit are "a unique opportunity in these difficult times" to strengthen cooperation.

According to Macron, the aim is to advance "in defense, security, technology, and the economy," as well as "increase exchanges in culture, education, and research." He added: "If we look at issues such as climate change or artificial intelligence, it is clear that our partnership and our friendship are absolutely essential." Both leaders also plan to address the issue of irregular boat trips across the Channel during the visit. In this regard, Macron noted that both countries have "obligations" regarding migration, which suggests that concrete measures could emerge from the political summit taking place this Thursday.

At this point, Macron generated some controversy by suggesting that one of the ways to stop the boat crisis in the Channel is to address the so-called "pull factors" that, according to Paris, push many migrants to try to reach the United Kingdom. Specifically, the French government points to Britain's underground economy as one of these factors. Paris claims that many asylum seekers choose the UK because they believe they will be able to work undocumented in an informal sector where taxes are often not paid and proper documentation is not required.

A tapestry steeped in history

But despite this, it certainly seems that nothing can derail the success of the visit, at least until the political summit is finalized. The British Museum will be hosting a piece of shared history of vital importance to both France and the British Isles. Starting next summer, and for almost a year, the British Museum will be hosting a special exhibition of the same history. will exhibit the so-called Bayeux Tapestry.

This is a unique work of art from the Middle Ages, crafted in the 11th century, which chronicles the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, in 1066. "narrative" the events culminating in the Battle of Hastings, which led to Norman domination and William the Conqueror taking the English throne. The Norman invasion was the last successful invasion of England.

The work is currently housed in the Museum of the Bayeux Tapestry in the Norman city of the same name in northern France, where it is a major tourist and heritage attraction. It has not left the country since the 15th century, when it was first kept in Bayeux Cathedral. The tapestry has never been on display in the United Kingdom, although it tells a central story of English history. This is why the transfer, which Macron noted was made possible in large part by King Charles III, has A highly symbolic symbol. As Macron summarized, the transfer of the tapestry marks the writing of "a new page in the shared history of the two countries, and the creation of a new future based on culture, knowledge, respect, science, and centuries of creation, enlightenment, and also friendship."