The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge started their two-day Official Visit to Paris at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on March 17th. They met with the French President, attended a reception at the British Embassy, and attended a black-tie dinner in the evening. Earlier in the day, the Duke and Duchess attended the St Patrick’s Day Parade. It is their first Official visit to the French Capital.
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were welcomed by French President François Hollande at the Élysée Palace at the start of their Official Visit to Paris. They were received by the President at the steps of the Palace, and had a photocall in a sitting room and on a terrace.
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Afterwards, the Duke and Duchess attended a reception at the British Embassy in Paris to mark the launch of “Les Voisins” (The Cousins), which celebrated the connections between the United Kingdom and France. They met young French leaders from the arts, sports, fashion, business, and voluntary sectors, as well as young military award winners. The Duke began his speech in French, before saying “Forgive me if I now continue in the language of Shakespeare.” Speaking of the Anglo-French friendship, he said “This partnership will continue despite the United Kingdom’s recent decision to leave the European Union.” The Duke and Duchess were accompanied by the the British Ambassador to France and Lady Llewellyn. Click HERE to read the Duke’s Speech.
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In the evening, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a black-tie dinner hosted by the British Ambassador to France, Edward Llewellyn, Baron Llewellyn of Steep, and Lady Llewellyn at their Residence in Paris. Among the guests were celebrities with links to the United Kingdom and France, including Dame Kristin Scott Thomas. The Duke gave a speech on behalf of the Queen. They dined on sole crown and Dublin Bay prawns, crayfish, braised leg of Welsh lamb with a seasonal vegetable garnish and roast potatoes with thyme, and an iced white and dark chocolate soufflé, butterscotch sauce with a pistachio and almond diamond shortbread.
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For the Welcome, the Duke of Cambridge wore a navy suit with a mauve tie. The Duchess repeated the bespoke Catherine Walker coat worn earlier with her Monica Vinader ‘Siren’ earrings. For the Reception, the Duke wore another navy suit with a blue tie. The Duchess wore a black Alexander McQueen dress with her Balenciaga pearl earrings and a new pearl necklace. In the evening, the Duke wore Black Tie. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a ice blue Jenny Packham gown with the Queen’s diamond chandelier earrings and Queen Mary’s Diamond Bar Choker Bracelet.
