The Bayeux Tapestry, the famed 70-metre embroidery depicting the Norman conquest of England, has returned to the UK for the first time in nearly a millennium. It is now on display at the British Museum in London, following a special trilateral arrangement between the UK, France, and the museum, and will remain on loan until July 2027.
Yesterday evening, King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, France's first lady Brigitte Macron, and the PM's wife Marie-France van Heel as they walked the length of the tapestry at the museum. Created after the invasion by the Duke of Normandy in 1066, the work tells the story of the Battle of Hastings.
Royal and Presidential Addresses
In his address following the tour, the King told Macron: "It is thanks to the certainty you have always had – and which I very much share – that we are here this evening in order that the tapestry should be seen, in London, for the benefit of the peoples of both our countries: the best possible symbol of that 'entente amicale', of which we have both spoken so fondly."
Taking the same podium, the French president mirrored the sentiment as he discussed "advancing the UK reset" with the EU, becoming the first European leader to visit the UK since Andy Burnham assumed office. Addressing the Prime Minister directly, he said: "While we do not always see eye to eye, we respect one another, remain open to discussing everything, including advancing the UK reset with the European Union, always closer and together."
Light-Hearted Moments During the Tour
During the tour, the three leaders and their partners shared moments of laughter as they examined the tapestry. Charles pointed out his favourite section to Macron – a group of Normans hauling a cart – remarking "they've got an enormous amount of wine." As the tour drew to a close, Mr Burnham quipped to Mr Macron: "Made in England, they couldn't bear to show the end... too difficult." The French president smiled and replied "happy end, we're here", drawing a laugh from Charles.
In his speech before an audience that included schoolchildren in the museum's Great Court, Charles joked about the tapestry's origins: "The Bayeux Tapestry – or the Canterbury embroidery as it might just have been called... recounts a conflict, yet here it is today, nearly a thousand years later, as a precious symbol of trust, at a time when trust seems sadly to be in short supply between nations."
He added: "As Shakespeare said in The Tempest: 'what is past is prologue'. We have defended our values together in times of peril. We continue do so today across the world."
Diplomatic Agenda and Exhibition Details
Prior to the event, Charles and Camilla had been entertaining the Macrons for a private tea at Clarence House. The French leader is due to meet the PM at Downing Street today for their first bilateral meeting, expected to focus on tackling small boat crossings, the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, and matters of trade and energy, reports Pol Allingham. Ahead of the talks, Burnham vowed not to be "complacent" after a fall in the number of small boat arrivals. "The progress we have seen this summer shows what can be achieved when the UK and France work together. But I am clear that we cannot be complacent. Smuggling gangs are constantly adapting their tactics, and the UK and France need to respond quickly and stay one step ahead of the criminals facilitating the dangerous crossings."
Tickets for the landmark exhibition can be purchased in advance via the official British Museum website, with standard adult admission starting at £33 and free entry for visitors under 16.
