This 11th-century work depicts the Norman conquest of England
E. Macron will also hold the “first comprehensive exchange of views” with the new United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Thursday, the presidency said.
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He is expected to have the “opportunity to greet King Charles III,” added a presidential advisor, without providing further details.
The main purpose of the visit is the opening of the exhibition dedicated to the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum. The presidential advisor called it a “particularly significant moment” for France-UK relations, personally supported by E. Macron.
The French leader hopes to emphasize the “exceptional loan of this work.” The tapestry left France for the first time in over 900 years when it was transported to London under strict security measures.
On Friday, the British Museum revealed some parts of the tapestry depicting the 1066 Battle of Hastings and the invasion of the Norman army led by William the Conqueror.
The exhibition will be open to visitors from September 10 until July 11, 2027. 100,000 tickets have already been sold for the first four months of the exhibition.
E. Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron, is very eager to see the tapestry displayed “under optimal conditions” – stretched out in full length.
The French leader’s visit will be the first visit by a European Union (EU) member state leader since A. Burnham took office last month following Keir Starmer’s resignation. K. Starmer closely cooperated with E. Macron and established warm personal relations.
“The president had established very friendly and highly effective relations, especially on Ukraine and the war in the Middle East, with Prime Minister K. Starmer,” said a presidential official. Coordination with A. Burnham is expected to be “just as important and regular.”
“The connection was established immediately” with A. Burnham, the presidency added, also highlighting A. Burnham’s early steps in office, including an early trip to Kyiv to show support for Ukraine.
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