The King’s touching tribute to his mother: Charles and French President Macron plant a tree at the British ambassador’s residence in Paris – a continuation of a tradition started by Queen Elizabeth II

The king continued a tradition started by his late mother yesterday by planting a tree at the British ambassador’s residence in Paris.

Queen Elizabeth II planted trees in the same garden during visits in 1957, 1972 and 2015.

Both Charles and French President Emmanuel Macron were filmed, spade in hand, at the 200-year-old residence – also known as Hotel De Charost – adding the remaining topsoil to a freshly planted oak sapling.

The King and Queen Camilla are visiting Paris and Bordeaux, six months after the trip had to be postponed due to widespread unrest across France.

Charles also spoke movingly of his mother’s ties to France, telling of the “firm friendship” between the nations at a state banquet in Paris.

Queen Elizabeth II planted trees in the same garden during visits in 1957 (above), 1972 and 2015

The King and Queen Camilla were guests of honor at a black tie dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.

High-profile figures invited to the dinner to honor their “contribution to the relationship between Britain and France”, including Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger and actor Hugh Grant, were among the 160 guests hosted by Charles on Wednesday evening and Mr Macron were addressed.

The king told the president: “Your generosity is a reminder of how deeply touched my family and I were by the tributes paid in France to my mother, the late Queen, whose funeral took place a year ago yesterday.”

“Mr President, among the many deeply moving gestures here, the raising of the Union flag at the Elysee Palace was particularly moving.”

“Your words also meant a lot to us back then.”

“You said she touched your hearts – and it was she who showed France the greatest affection, as did, of course, my grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.”

“My parents’ first official visit together took place in France in 1948, shortly after their wedding.”

“By all accounts, they caused a stir as they danced until the early hours at the glamorous Chez Carrere on Rue Pierre Charron, accompanied by Edith Piaf.

“I suspect it left an indelible impression on me six months before I was born – La Vie En Rose remains one of my favorite songs to this day.”

The king also said that relations between the United Kingdom and France had not always been “straightforward” but continued to emphasize unity between the nations.

Charles also mentioned the importance of Britain working with France to combat climate change.

The King and Queen Camilla are visiting Paris and Bordeaux, six months after the trip had to be postponed due to widespread unrest across France

ing Charles III with French President Emmanuel Macron after planting an oak tree at the British ambassador’s residence

King Charles and the French President leave the British ambassador’s 200-year-old residence in Paris as they prepare to plant an oak tree in the garden

He continued: “Mr President, in all this we can rely on our firm friendship, which is renewed and strengthened with each new generation.”

“I would like, if you allow me, to raise a toast to President and Mrs Macron and to the French people and to our Entente cordiale – a sustainable alliance.

“Whatever lies ahead, may it endure faithfully and consistently for centuries to come.”

Famous faces of English football were also in attendance, including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Patrick Vieira, who played for Arsenal and managed Crystal Palace.

Guests dined on lobster, Bresse chicken and cheese.

Camilla dazzled in a midnight blue silk crepe dress and matching Dior cape and wore sapphires and diamonds inherited from the late queen.

Charles had previously gifted Mr Macron a book with photos of the couple and a complete copy of the writings of the French philosopher Voltaire when he visited the Elysee Palace, the president’s official residence.

In return, Mr. Macron gave the king a gold coin bearing Charles’ portrait and an award-winning French novel.

The couple arrived at the Elysee together by car, closely followed by the Queen and the president’s wife, Brigitte Macron.

King Charles cheered President Emmanuel Macron and spoke of the “firm friendship” between Britain and France as he and Queen Camilla joined French and British dignitaries and celebrities for a black-tie gala at the Palace of Versailles

Camilla wore a dusty pink wool crepe coat dress by Fiona Clare and a pink beret-style hat by milliner Philip Treacy.

The couple landed at Orly Airport in Paris, where they were greeted by a guard of honor from the Republican Guard, part of the French National Gendarmerie.

They then took part in a memorial ceremony and wreath-laying ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in the center of the capital.

Charles symbolically lit the memorial’s eternal flame, which burns in memory of those who died in the First and Second World Wars.

It was the first time in 30 years that the ceremony was included in a state visit.

The French and British national anthems were played and there was a flypast by the Patrouille de France and Red Arrows before the couples drove down the Champs-Élysées.

Most of the original royal program was retained, but some new elements were added, including the launch by the Queen and Ms Macron of a new Franco-British literary prize at the Bibliotheque Nationale de France.

King Charles and Queen Camilla twinned with President and Brigitte Macron in France as the two couples attended a state banquet at the Palace of Versailles

Charles will become the first British monarch to address the French Senate on Thursday.

Other highlights include the royal couple meeting sports stars as France hosts the Rugby World Cup.

When the pair travel to Bordeaux, home to 39,000 Britons, they will meet British and French military personnel to learn how the two nations are working together on defense.

The planned trip in March was supposed to be her first state visit but was postponed at the last minute after violent nationwide demonstrations by opponents of Mr. Macron’s retirement age reform.

Just a few days before the start of the trip, Bordeaux’s town hall was set on fire by demonstrators.