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Royalty
King hosts Macron for state visit at Windsor Castle
French President Emmanuel Macron visited the United Kingdom's King Charles at Windsor Castle, becoming the first French President to do so since 2008 and the first by a European Union political leader since Brexit. The three-day visit is primarily focused on strengthening ties between the two countries, with Macron calling it a pivotal moment for both nations. “The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend. Our bond is longstanding, forged by History and strengthened by trust,” Macron posted to X. “Together, we will address the major challenges of our time: security, defence, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture.” This being the first state visit by a European Union political leader since Brexit symbolises London’s desire to reset relations after leaving the EU in 2020. While Charles is likely to steer clear of politics, he will make a broad appeal for international cooperation at the banquet. During his visit, Macron is also set to address both houses of the U.K. parliament before sitting down with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on migration, defence and investment, including a 12.3% stake by French energy firm EDF in a new nuclear power plant planned for
Royalty
Royal train retired; King Charles pushes modernisation
The United Kingdom's King Charles is retiring the royal family's historic train as part of a broader push to modernise the monarchy and reduce operating costs. The royal train, in use since 1840, has reportedly become increasingly expensive to maintain, and its ageing 1980s rolling stock would require significant updates. It will be replaced by two new fuel-efficient helicopters. James Chalmers, the keeper of the privy purse, said, “The royal train, of course, has been part of national life for many decades, loved and cared for by all those involved. But in moving forward we must not be bound by the past.” A permanent home is now being sought for the train’s historic components. However, the 2024–25 royal accounts, released Monday, show the sovereign grant will remain at £86.3 million (A$181.1 million) for the fourth consecutive year but will rise to £132 million annually from 2025 to 2027. This increase is partly funded by record offshore wind farm profits of £1.1 billion for the Crown Estate, and will also support the remaining £100 million cost of Buckingham Palace’s decade-long £369 million refurbishment. Travel costs for the royal household rose by £500,000 to £4.7 million, while payroll expenses grew by £2
Royalty
Future Queen of Norway will study in Australia
Future queen of Norway, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, will study at the University of Sydney, according to the Norwegian royal family. The princess is set to move to New South Wales to complete her studies in August, when she will commence a Bachelor of Arts degree. "She has chosen a three-year degree with a focus on international relations and political economy," a Royal House of Norway spokesperson said in a statement. "The princess will be studying full-time and reside in a student residence on campus. "Her royal highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come." Princess Alexandra is second in line for the Norwegian throne behind her father, Crown Prince Haakon. Her grandfather is the current King. The 21-year-old’s enrolment at the University of Sydney comes after her military graduation in April, where she completed 15 months of military service with the Engineer Battalion in Brigade North. The princess, who only recently started making public appearances, will have to step back from official duties during her time abroad as she splits her time between Australia and Europe.
Royalty
Pope Francis receives visit from Charles and Camilla
King Charles and Queen Camilla have paid a surprise visit to Pope Francis during their four-day state visit to Italy. Buckingham Palace and the Vatican announced the visit, which comes after the 88-year-old Pope Francis recovered from double pneumonia and weeks of bedrest. It was a private visit from the royal duo, pared down from what was originally supposed to be a formal state affair before the Pope fell ill. A Vatican statement confirmed that the he instead met the couple privately at the Casa Santa Marta on Wednesday, which happened to coincide with their 20th wedding anniversary. In their own press release, Buckingham Palace said that the King and Queen "were delighted The Pope was well enough to host them — and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person". The meeting was Charles' first with the Pope since he became King and head of the Church of England, back in 2022.
Royalty
King Charles cancels trip; cancer treatment side effects
Britain's King Charles III, 76, has cancelled a series of public engagements following a brief hospitalisation due to side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced. The monarch, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024, experienced temporary side effects requiring observation at The London Clinic. He has since returned to Clarence House, where he continues to recover under medical advice. The King had been scheduled to visit Birmingham on Friday for multiple engagements, including appearances at the Royal Ballet and a Sikh temple. Buckingham Palace expressed the King’s disappointment at missing these events and extended apologies to those involved. This marks a rare interruption in the King’s otherwise active schedule, as he has continued to fulfill state duties despite undergoing weekly treatment since his diagnosis. The state visit to Italy, planned for April, remains on the calendar with some adjustments to the itinerary. The visit will include a historic address to the Italian Parliament and engagements in Rome and Ravenna, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the UK and Italy. The trip coincides with the King and Queen’s 20th wedding annive