The King greeted by more than 40 European leaders today – and found an international bond in the agony and ecstasy of football.
He shared a laugh and warm pat on the arm from Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and a very hands-on ‘thank you’ from French President, Emmanuel Macron.
Charles, 75, hosted a reception at Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. for The European Political Community (EPC).
The EPC was the brainchild of President Macron in 2022 after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine to bring Europe closer together.
As the King arrived in an electric Audi, he was greeted at the steps of the palace’s Great Court by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer greeted King Charles as he arrived at The European Political Community summit being held at Blenheim Palace King Charles speaking with the French President Emmanuel Macron. The EPC was the brainchild of President Macron in 2022 after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine to bring Europe closer together England footballers Jude Bellingham and John Stone following the Three Lions’ defeat to Spain in the Euros final. The King said England’s defeat was ‘agonising’ but he praised Gareth Southgate
The paid shared a hand shake before together walking the red carpet into the palace’s Long Library.
President Macron was one of the first to greet the King and they gripped each other’s elbows with the President saying ‘thank you again for a lovely reception’.
In a second group, the King chatted to German chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo, and also Angela Rayner, the new Labour government’s Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister.
She spoke to the King about England’s European Cup final defeat to Spain and Charles replied it was ‘agonising’ but praised Gareth Southgate.
He added: ‘I feel so sorry for the manager, they always get the blame but in fact he actually did a brilliant job.’
In another group the King had a cheerful chat with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister and former basketball star Edi Rama – who turned up to the royal reception wearing ice-white trainers.
President Zelensky, wearing his trademark military-style fleece emblazoned with the golden trident tryzub, chatted happily to Polish PM Donald Tusk while he waited.
He shook the King’s hand and they spoke briefly about the planned private face-to-face meeting which was to take place minutes after the reception in the Grand Cabinet Room.
President Zelensky, wearing his trademark military-style fleece, met the King. During their meeting Zelensky let out a laugh and gave his royal host a friendly pat on his left arm. He and the king also enjoyed a private audience together after the reception King Charles also met with other world leaders including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz The King had a cheerful chat with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni (centre) and Albanian Prime Minister and former basketball star Edi Rama (right) – who turned up to the royal reception wearing ice-white trainers
Before Charles walked away after 30 seconds, Zelensky let out a laugh and gave his royal host a friendly pat on his left arm. He and the king also enjoyed a private audience together after the reception.
Other leaders included Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, Polish PM Donald Tusk, and President of the European Council Charles Michel.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper were present.
Sir Keir Starmer spent time chatting to President Zelensky and appeared to give him two thumbs up.
The King later had a private meeting with Sir Keir in the First State Room, which acted as their weekly private audience.
It comes at the end of an extremely busy week for the King, who also undertook his first overnight work visit since his cancer diagnosis, travelling to the Channel Islands for two days. Despite his packed diary, he is still undergoing weekly cancer treatment.
The UK-hosted EPC is focusing on issues including Ukraine, energy security and migration.
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Publish date : 2024-07-18 17:46:01
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