Britain yesterday did what it does better than any other country: putting on a magnificent display of pageantry with plenty of horses, and soldiers in magnificent, colourful uniforms.
This was to welcome France's Nicolas Sarkozy, the first state visit by a French president to Britain since Chirac in 1996.
The French Head of State AND Head of Government met the British Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle, the world's largest inhabited castle, and then made a speech to BOTH houses of Parliament (the magnificent Royal Gallery in Westminster Palace, the home of Parliament, in which he conducted the speech, had two giant oil paintings on opposite walls depicting Britain's victories over the French at Trafalgar and Waterloo).
During the speech, he thanked Britain for liberating France in WII.
Then, at 8pm last night, the President, the Queen and many of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and other politicians, and other notable dignitaries, all had lunch at Windsor Castle and sat around a gigantic table - not only Britain's largest table but also its largest piece of furniture.
Then, today, he met Britain's Head of Government (Gordon Brown) where the two men discussed issues such as nuclear power and Europe.
Sarkozy, who was seen the other day jogging in Paris wearing a Manchester United sweater, is known not to value the Franco-German axis in Europe as previous French Presidents have. The President's ancestors were Hungarian Jews and, for obvious reasons, he is known to detest Germany.
President Sarkozy's salute to 'the British, our saviours'
By JAMES CHAPMAN
27th March 2008
Daily Mail
Nicolas Sarkozy makes a point during his 45-minute speech to Parliament in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster, at room which has two giant oil paintings depicting the British victories over the French at Waterloo and Trafalgar. He praised Britain, the world's oldest democracy, for giving democracy to the world. and for helping to liberate France in WWII
The French President and his wife stayed overnight in the mighty Windsor Castle in Berkshire, the world's largest inhabited castle and the world's oldest in continuous occupation.
Nicolas Sarkozy launched a lavish cross-Channel charm offensive yesterday, saying France would "never forget" how the blood of British servicemen was mixed with French blood in the trenches of the Great War.
The French president, making an extraordinary address to both Houses of Parliament, also said "all would have been lost" without the heroic resistance of the British during the Second World War.
Ahead of a Franco-British summit today, Mr Sarkozy greeted Gordon Brown French style - with a kiss on both cheeks - before beginning his speech.
He hailed a relationship dating back 1,000 years, praising British democracy, the armed forces and the "dynamism" of the UK's cities and way of life.
Westminster, he said, was the cradle of modern political life, which had given rise to a tradition of Parliamentary democracy that had become the world's "best guarantee against tyranny".
MPs and peers gave him a standing ovation following the 45-minute speech, delivered in French.
It was described as the warmest welcome ever extended to a French president in an official state visit.
Carla takes the chance to shut her eyes for a second or two as her husband lavishes praise on Britain and delivers a strong message about Europe
Mr Sarkozy said France and Britain had "never been so close" and should now forge a new Franco-British "brotherhood" for the 21st century. Instead of the famous "entente cordiale", he said there should be an "entente amicale".
He then delivered a tough message that Britain must engage more with the EU.
While the Franco-German friendship which has long dominated Europe was "still essential", he said it was "no longer enough to enable Europe to act and bring its full weight to bear".
"Who can think that the United Kingdom would have more influence in the world if she returned to splendid isolation?" he asked.
"Who can think that the challenges facing our nations today could be resolved better in a strictly national framework?"
Mr Sarkozy said he understood Europe was a "sensitive issue" for many British people. But he insisted: "Europe needs the UK. We can't build a prosperous, democratic, efficient Europe without the UK.
"If we want to change Europe my dear British friends - and we Frenchmen do wish to change Europe - we need you inside Europe to help us do so, not standing on the outside."
He suggested that France might be open to reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, which sees massive EU subsidies going to French farmers.
And France, he confirmed, was ready to offer to send more troops to help the Nato mission in Afghanistan. "If these proposals are accepted, then France will suggest strengthening its presence," he said.
"We cannot afford to lose Afghanistan. We cannot afford to see the Taliban and Al Qaeda returning to Kabul. Whatever the cost, however difficult the victory, we cannot afford it. We must win."
France and Britain would also work together to tackle the challenges of energy, immigration, security and defence, Mr Sarkozy said.
On Britain's proud history, he asked: "How many invincible armadas has your nation defeated? How many battles has it won which everyone thought lost?
"Your nation has succeeded in taking up so many challenges which seemed out of reach precisely because it quite simply was convinced that its cause was right, because it had faith in itself, in its values, because in all circumstances it has demonstrated an unfailing determination and courage.
"In this respect, the Battle of Britain was a magnificent achievement.
"In the hearts and minds even of those who fought against it, your nation has stood out through its respect of the other, its tolerance, its way of life, its freedom of spirit which has been forged throughout a long history full of sound and fury.
"In all circumstances, it has succeeded in remaining itself, continued thinking for itself, and that was enough for it to embody, in the eyes of many, a human and political ideal."
Mr Sarkozy added: "Our two countries' destinies have been closely intertwined for nearly 1,000 years.
"Since William the Conqueror set off from Normandy to seize hold of the throne of Edward the Confessor, to the reverse journey made by hundreds of thousands of young Britons to participate in the liberation of Europe, our destinies have constantly intersected.
"Our nations fought one another for a long time, until the day they understood that what brought them together was more important than what divided them, that they had interests to defend and, even more important still, common values to defend together."
He added: "France hasn't forgotten, she will never forget that when she was almost annihilated Britain was at her side.
"She will never forget the English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish blood mixed with the French blood in the mud of the trenches.
"She will never forget the welcome the British people gave General de Gaulle and Free France. She will never forget the heroic resistance of the British people without which all would have been lost.
"She will never forget the fine young people who came from all over the British Empire and laid down their lives on the Normandy beaches.
"As the last century's wars have shown: Like two brothers, what the French people and the British people can accomplish together is far greater than what they can achieve separately."
On the second day of their whistle-stop visit to the UK, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his new wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy had a date at 10 Downing Street today.
The Sarkozys bid farewell to their Royal hosts at Windsor Castle, where they spent the night after a state banquet.
The Queen, during last night's banquet at Windsor Castle, said the countries had a "respectful but competitive relationship".
Ms Bruni-Sarkozy gave her husband a round of applause after he addressed both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday in the Royal Gallery ar the Palace of Westminster, the home of the British Parliament
Mr Sarkozy also laid a wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier at Westminster Abbey.
The Sarkozys were given a personal tour of the French works in the Royal collection at Windsor Castle.
Mr Sarkozy was also invited to review the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle.
Ms Bruni-Sarkozy curtsied when she met the Queen - a skill she had reportedly been practising.
Criticised by some in France for his showy style, Mr Sarkozy was treated to some British opulence with a short journey in a gilt carriage through Windsor, accompanied by the Queen.
Once the French president and entourage had arrived in Windsor, a ceremonial parade was held through the town. It is the first full state visit by a French president for 12 years.
Arriving at Heathrow on Wednesday, the couple were met on the red carpet by Prince Charles, who kissed the hand of Ms Bruni-Sarkozy.
dailymail.co.uk
This was to welcome France's Nicolas Sarkozy, the first state visit by a French president to Britain since Chirac in 1996.
The French Head of State AND Head of Government met the British Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle, the world's largest inhabited castle, and then made a speech to BOTH houses of Parliament (the magnificent Royal Gallery in Westminster Palace, the home of Parliament, in which he conducted the speech, had two giant oil paintings on opposite walls depicting Britain's victories over the French at Trafalgar and Waterloo).
During the speech, he thanked Britain for liberating France in WII.
Then, at 8pm last night, the President, the Queen and many of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and other politicians, and other notable dignitaries, all had lunch at Windsor Castle and sat around a gigantic table - not only Britain's largest table but also its largest piece of furniture.
Then, today, he met Britain's Head of Government (Gordon Brown) where the two men discussed issues such as nuclear power and Europe.
Sarkozy, who was seen the other day jogging in Paris wearing a Manchester United sweater, is known not to value the Franco-German axis in Europe as previous French Presidents have. The President's ancestors were Hungarian Jews and, for obvious reasons, he is known to detest Germany.
President Sarkozy's salute to 'the British, our saviours'
By JAMES CHAPMAN
27th March 2008
Daily Mail
Nicolas Sarkozy makes a point during his 45-minute speech to Parliament in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster, at room which has two giant oil paintings depicting the British victories over the French at Waterloo and Trafalgar. He praised Britain, the world's oldest democracy, for giving democracy to the world. and for helping to liberate France in WWII
The French President and his wife stayed overnight in the mighty Windsor Castle in Berkshire, the world's largest inhabited castle and the world's oldest in continuous occupation.
Nicolas Sarkozy launched a lavish cross-Channel charm offensive yesterday, saying France would "never forget" how the blood of British servicemen was mixed with French blood in the trenches of the Great War.
The French president, making an extraordinary address to both Houses of Parliament, also said "all would have been lost" without the heroic resistance of the British during the Second World War.
Ahead of a Franco-British summit today, Mr Sarkozy greeted Gordon Brown French style - with a kiss on both cheeks - before beginning his speech.
He hailed a relationship dating back 1,000 years, praising British democracy, the armed forces and the "dynamism" of the UK's cities and way of life.
Westminster, he said, was the cradle of modern political life, which had given rise to a tradition of Parliamentary democracy that had become the world's "best guarantee against tyranny".
MPs and peers gave him a standing ovation following the 45-minute speech, delivered in French.
It was described as the warmest welcome ever extended to a French president in an official state visit.
Carla takes the chance to shut her eyes for a second or two as her husband lavishes praise on Britain and delivers a strong message about Europe
Mr Sarkozy said France and Britain had "never been so close" and should now forge a new Franco-British "brotherhood" for the 21st century. Instead of the famous "entente cordiale", he said there should be an "entente amicale".
He then delivered a tough message that Britain must engage more with the EU.
While the Franco-German friendship which has long dominated Europe was "still essential", he said it was "no longer enough to enable Europe to act and bring its full weight to bear".
"Who can think that the United Kingdom would have more influence in the world if she returned to splendid isolation?" he asked.
"Who can think that the challenges facing our nations today could be resolved better in a strictly national framework?"
Mr Sarkozy said he understood Europe was a "sensitive issue" for many British people. But he insisted: "Europe needs the UK. We can't build a prosperous, democratic, efficient Europe without the UK.
"If we want to change Europe my dear British friends - and we Frenchmen do wish to change Europe - we need you inside Europe to help us do so, not standing on the outside."
He suggested that France might be open to reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, which sees massive EU subsidies going to French farmers.
And France, he confirmed, was ready to offer to send more troops to help the Nato mission in Afghanistan. "If these proposals are accepted, then France will suggest strengthening its presence," he said.
"We cannot afford to lose Afghanistan. We cannot afford to see the Taliban and Al Qaeda returning to Kabul. Whatever the cost, however difficult the victory, we cannot afford it. We must win."
France and Britain would also work together to tackle the challenges of energy, immigration, security and defence, Mr Sarkozy said.
On Britain's proud history, he asked: "How many invincible armadas has your nation defeated? How many battles has it won which everyone thought lost?
"Your nation has succeeded in taking up so many challenges which seemed out of reach precisely because it quite simply was convinced that its cause was right, because it had faith in itself, in its values, because in all circumstances it has demonstrated an unfailing determination and courage.
"In this respect, the Battle of Britain was a magnificent achievement.
"In the hearts and minds even of those who fought against it, your nation has stood out through its respect of the other, its tolerance, its way of life, its freedom of spirit which has been forged throughout a long history full of sound and fury.
"In all circumstances, it has succeeded in remaining itself, continued thinking for itself, and that was enough for it to embody, in the eyes of many, a human and political ideal."
Mr Sarkozy added: "Our two countries' destinies have been closely intertwined for nearly 1,000 years.
"Since William the Conqueror set off from Normandy to seize hold of the throne of Edward the Confessor, to the reverse journey made by hundreds of thousands of young Britons to participate in the liberation of Europe, our destinies have constantly intersected.
"Our nations fought one another for a long time, until the day they understood that what brought them together was more important than what divided them, that they had interests to defend and, even more important still, common values to defend together."
He added: "France hasn't forgotten, she will never forget that when she was almost annihilated Britain was at her side.
"She will never forget the English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish blood mixed with the French blood in the mud of the trenches.
"She will never forget the welcome the British people gave General de Gaulle and Free France. She will never forget the heroic resistance of the British people without which all would have been lost.
"She will never forget the fine young people who came from all over the British Empire and laid down their lives on the Normandy beaches.
"As the last century's wars have shown: Like two brothers, what the French people and the British people can accomplish together is far greater than what they can achieve separately."
On the second day of their whistle-stop visit to the UK, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his new wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy had a date at 10 Downing Street today.
The Sarkozys bid farewell to their Royal hosts at Windsor Castle, where they spent the night after a state banquet.
The Queen, during last night's banquet at Windsor Castle, said the countries had a "respectful but competitive relationship".
Ms Bruni-Sarkozy gave her husband a round of applause after he addressed both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday in the Royal Gallery ar the Palace of Westminster, the home of the British Parliament
Mr Sarkozy also laid a wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier at Westminster Abbey.
The Sarkozys were given a personal tour of the French works in the Royal collection at Windsor Castle.
Mr Sarkozy was also invited to review the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle.
Ms Bruni-Sarkozy curtsied when she met the Queen - a skill she had reportedly been practising.
Criticised by some in France for his showy style, Mr Sarkozy was treated to some British opulence with a short journey in a gilt carriage through Windsor, accompanied by the Queen.
Once the French president and entourage had arrived in Windsor, a ceremonial parade was held through the town. It is the first full state visit by a French president for 12 years.
Arriving at Heathrow on Wednesday, the couple were met on the red carpet by Prince Charles, who kissed the hand of Ms Bruni-Sarkozy.
dailymail.co.uk
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