KING Charles’s visit to France has been called off due to mass strikes and protests against the French government.
The National reported yesterday how Nicola Sturgeon would not be able to meet the King to tender her official resignation because of the scheduled trip.
Despite the change of plans, it is understood the FM plans to tender her resignation in writing.
The monarch had been due to arrive in Paris on Sunday on his first state visit but the French president’s office has announced this will now be postponed.
The Elysee Palace said the decision to cancel the event had been taken by the UK and French governments following a phone conversation between President Emmanuel Macron and the King after mass demonstrations.
Macron and his wife Brigitte had been due to host a banquet for Charles and Camilla in the capital and were then set to travel to Bordeaux on Tuesday to witness the devastation caused by last year’s wildfires.
Also on the agenda was the opening of the British consulate in Bordeaux and a trip to an organic vineyard.
More than 450 protesters were arrested on Thursday as hundreds of demonstrations drew more than a million people to protest against pension changes that would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Three million people are thought to have taken to the streets to protest, according to unions.
In Bordeaux, the town hall was set on fire.
It’s still kicking off in France: The Bordeaux town hall is now on fire pic.twitter.com/UHcbWurQ9f
— David Adler (@davidrkadler) March 23, 2023
Until Thursday’s protests, French officials insisted the visit would go ahead despite threats of disruption. French strikers had reportedly refused to literally roll out the red carpet for Charles.
In a statement, 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.”
