King Charles III formed new friendship with this world leader at the Queen's funeral

French President Emmanuel Macron was among the world leaders to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. During their visit, King Charles III allegedly bonded with the French politician over their passion for environmental issues.

A new friendship

Macron paid tribute to the Queen ahead of her funeral, stating that the people of France would feel 'an emptiness' at the loss of the Queen, Expressreveals. He said:

To you, she was your Queen. To us, she was The Queen.

According to The Mirror, King Charles and the French President shared a platform at the COP26 in Edinburgh. They encouraged investment in what the then-Prince of Wales described as a 'precious opportunity' to save the planet.

The pair talked about the Great Green Wall project, a 30-mile-wide belt of trees across the African continent. The project aims to stop the spread of the Sahara Desert and replace lost forests.

The Foreign Office capitalising on the monarchy's popularity

Traditionally, monarchs make state visits to members of the Commonwealth. Australia and New Zealand could expect a state visit from King Charles next spring. The King hasn't visited Australia since before the pandemic.

But France is reportedly the 1st country on the King's list of state visits. Express reports that the visit could happen as early as next month, followed by a trip to Germany.

Macron confirmed he had extended an invitation to King Charles 'to come to France when it is appropriate for him'.

During the King's visit, it is likely that Macron will arrange an exhibition of the Great Green Wall project. Although a monarch needs to be apolitical, it is no secret that the environment is a cause close to King Charles's heart.

The Foreign Office has the final say on where Royals travel. Still, The Mirror reports that it is looking to 'capitalise' on the monarchy's popularity following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. According to reports, the Foreign Office is keen to build bridges with significant European powers post Brexit. GB Newsnotes that France is a strategic partner as a NATO ally.

Sources used:

- Express: King Charles bonds with Macron as France scheduled for first state visit

- The Mirror: King Charles 'set to visit France next month' in first state trip as monarch

- GB News: Kings Charles set to make first State visit to France - after bonding with Macron

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