King Charles says 'it's very sad' that his state visit to France was cancelled ... trends now
King Charles today spoke for the first time about cancelling plans to make his first ever State Visit to France.
'It's very sad,' said the Monarch, soon after landing in Berlin to begin a tour of Germany today.
He expressed his regret to a reporter from the BFM news channel almost a week after rioting across France forced him to change his plans.
Queen Elizabeth II loved France, and paid six state visits to country, including five to Paris.
Her Majesty spoke good French and is known to have passed on her Francophilia to her son.
The King (left) greeting the President of France Emmanuel Macron (right) ahead of their bilateral during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow in 2021
Protests have erupted across France since Macron announced radical reforms to state pensions
But threats including the words 'Death to the King' convinced President Emmanuel Macron to halt the four-day visit planned for Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort.
The macabre message was being used by protesters protesting against a rise in the retirement age from 62 to 64.
There are still regular riots, and they were set to intensify if - as planned - the King had arrived in Paris last Sunday.
'I think it would not be responsible and would lack some common sense if we invited His Majesty the King and the Queen Consort for a state visit in the midst of the demonstrations,' Mr Macron said.
Senior politicians including Mr Macron had received threats evoking the guillotine used to execute Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette - the last rightful king and queen of France.
The development was a major humiliation for Mr Macron, especially as the visit to Germany by the Royal couple went ahead.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and King Charles III walk to a tree planting in the garden of the Bellevue Palace in Berlin
Eric Ciotti, leader of the opposition Republicans party in France, said the chaotic security situation was a national embarrassment.
'What an image for our country, which is not even able to ensure the security of a head of state,' said Mr Ciotti.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: '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.'
The biggest security operation in recent French history unfolded yesterday to combat rioters who want to bring 'fire and blood' to the streets – days after a state visit by King Charles was cancelled because of the violence.
Gérald Darmanin, the country's Interior Minister, said it would involve an 'unprecedented effort' by the forces of law and order.
Up to a million people are expected to join marches against President Emmanuel Macron for raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 without a parliamentary vote.
'Radicalized elements from the Left and the ultra-Left want to hijack the trade union processions,' said Mr Darmanin.
'Their aim is to bring fire and blood to France,' he added, saying that 13,000 police and gendarmes would be mobilised, including 5,500 in Paris alone. They will be supported by armoured cars, water cannon, and military units in reserve.
The biggest security operation in recent French history will unfold today to combat rioters who want to bring 'fire and blood' to the streets, as protests against Macron's pension rise continue. Pictured: Riot police detain a protester in Paris last week
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