King Charles and Macron tour Bayeux Tapestry with Andy Burnham at British Museum
King Charles, Queen Camilla, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham walked the 70-metre Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum in London on Wednesday evening, sharing light moments amid a state visit focused on Anglo-French ties.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham walked the length of the 70-metre Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum in London on Wednesday evening, in a display of cross-Channel camaraderie during the French leader’s state visit to the United Kingdom.
The four dignitaries toured the medieval masterpiece together, with Burnham, a prominent Labour politician, sharing a joke with Macron as they moved along the embroidered cloth that chronicles the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The light-hearted exchange came as the group viewed the tapestry’s detailed scenes, which depict the events leading to the Battle of Hastings and the coronation of William the Conqueror.
Macron, addressing the King and Prime Minister later, said: «Happy end, we’re here,» a remark that underscored the warmth of the occasion. The French president’s visit, which began on Wednesday, is aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between France and the UK, with the tapestry tour serving as a cultural centrepiece of the programme.
King Charles, reflecting on the historical significance of the artwork, said: «What is past is prologue,» a phrase that suggests the enduring relevance of the shared history between the two nations. The King’s comment, made during the tour, was seen as a nod to the deep-rooted ties that bind Britain and France, despite centuries of rivalry and conflict.
Burnham’s presence at the event was notable, as the mayor of Greater Manchester is not typically part of royal or state occasions. His inclusion, alongside Macron and the royal couple, highlighted the broader political and cultural engagement of the visit, which also includes talks between Macron and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on issues such as defence, trade, and climate change.
The Bayeux Tapestry, which is normally housed in Normandy, France, is on loan to the British Museum for the first time in over 950 years. The exhibition, which opened to the public earlier this year, has drawn large crowds eager to see the 11th-century artefact, which measures nearly 70 metres in length and is considered one of the most important surviving examples of medieval art.
The tour on Wednesday evening was part of a private viewing for the visiting dignitaries, allowing them to appreciate the tapestry without the usual throng of visitors. The event was widely covered by British media, with photographers capturing the group’s progress along the glass-encased cloth, which is displayed in a specially designed gallery.
Macron’s state visit, the first by a French president to the UK in over a decade, is scheduled to continue through Thursday, with a banquet at Windsor Castle and further diplomatic engagements. The visit comes at a time of renewed cooperation between London and Paris, particularly in the wake of Brexit, as both nations seek to navigate a new chapter in their relationship.
The King’s reference to the past as prologue was interpreted by observers as a signal of forward-looking intent, suggesting that the historical bonds between the two countries, while complex, provide a foundation for future partnership. The tapestry, which depicts a pivotal moment in English history, served as a fitting backdrop for such reflections.
Burnham, who has been a vocal advocate for regional devolution and greater investment in northern England, used the occasion to engage with Macron on matters of urban policy and cultural heritage, though details of their conversation were not disclosed. The mayor’s participation in the event was seen as a recognition of Manchester’s growing international profile and its role in fostering cultural ties with France.
The British Museum, which has hosted the tapestry since January, has reported strong visitor numbers, with the exhibition expected to remain open until late autumn. The loan agreement between the UK and France has been hailed as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations, despite historical tensions.
As the evening drew to a close, the dignitaries departed the museum, leaving behind a sense of diplomatic goodwill that organisers hope will translate into tangible cooperation in the months ahead. The tapestry, meanwhile, remains on display, a silent witness to the long and intertwined history of Britain and France.
