Pomp, pageantry and politesse greet French president Macron in display of British royals’ soft power

Description

Quotation: “An invitation for a state visit is highly prized amongst world leaders,’’ said Craig Prescott, a constitutional law expert at Royal Holloway, University of London, who focuses on the political role of the monarchy. “Now, it won’t necessarily turn an enemy into an ally, but it can be part of that broader diplomatic move to maybe get the best out of someone.

"It’s that cherry on the top, but at times it could be a very valuable cherry.”

Period	8 Jul 2025
Held at	The Independent (newspaper), United Kingdom