LONDON (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday urged Britain to stick close to its neighbors despite its exit from the European Union, saying France and the U.K. will “save Europe” by standing for democracy, law and international order in a dangerous world.

King Charles III highlighted the crucial bonds between the United Kingdom and France in the face of a “multitude of more complex threats,” as he welcomed President Emmanuel Macron for the first state visit by a European leader to his country since Brexit.

Brigitte Macron continued her tour of the U.K. alongside husband Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, with a banquet in London’s Guildhall on Wednesday. France’s first lady married subdued elegance with sparkling embellishments, favoring a gown with statement shoulders.

France and the UK intend to increase the number of the Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF) to 50,000 troops for the future deployment in Ukraine as part of the Coalition of the Willing, stated French President Emmanuel Macron during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer,

French President Emmanuel Macron was welcomed Tuesday in London by Britain's King Charles III for a three-day state visit in the first since 2008 by France's leader.

Brigitte Macron's recent UK visit saw her in a subdued mood. This was due to the death of her sister, Anne-Marie Trogneux. Despite her grief, she accompanied President Emmanuel Macron. Sources say the loss deeply affected Madame Macron.

Emmanuel Macron has said that both France and the UK must focus on fixing immigration, labelling it a “burden for our two countries”. Addressing parliament on his first day of his three-day state visit to the UK on Tuesday (8 July),

France's President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speak during Ukraine security meeting at the 6th European Political Community summit on May 16, 2025 at Skanderbeg Square in Tirana,