King Charles forced to postpone France trip after security fears

Tensions have been rising in the country over Macron's pension reform.

The visit has been postponed, with a future date yet to be announced.

King Charles had been due to make his first state visit as monarch to France, beginning a three-day trip on Sunday.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "The King and The Queen Consort’s State Visit to France has been postponed.

"Their Majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found."

In a statement, the Elysee said: “In light of yesterday’s announcement of a new national day of action against pension reforms on Tuesday, March 28, in France, the visit of King Charles III, originally scheduled for March 26 to 29 in our country, will be postponed.

“This decision was taken by the French and British governments after a telephone exchange between the President of the Republic and the King this morning, in order to be able to welcome His Majesty King Charles III in conditions that correspond to our friendly relationship.

“This state visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible.”

Tens of thousands of mainly peaceful demonstrators took to the streets of Paris on Thursday – the ninth day of nationwide protests – but violence erupted when French police clashed with black-clad, masked groups who targeted at least two fast food restaurants, a supermarket and a bank.

A Government spokesperson said: “The King and Queen Consort’s State Visit to France has been postponed.

“This decision was taken with the consent of all parties, after the President of France asked the British Government to postpone the visit.”

The King is still expected to travel to Germany as part of his European trip.

The postponement will be a major embarrassment to Macron, who had hoped the monarch's visit would mark a symbolic step in the two countries' efforts to turn a page after years of poor relations post-Brexit.

King Charles had been due to travel first to France for three days before moving on to Germany, an itinerary that had been seen as a coup for the French leader who has sought to position himself as Europe's de facto leader.