King Charles and the Queen Consort’s state visit to France has been postponed amid violent protests in Paris.
The Royals were due to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Protesters angry at Macron’s pension reforms have continued, with rows of lorries blocking access to Marseille’s commercial port and debris still littering the streets of Paris.
More than 450 protesters were arrested in the capital and beyond on Thursday as around 300 demonstrations drew more than a million people nationwide to protest against unpopular pension reforms.
Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday that some 441 police and gendarmes were injured as violence marred some marches.
An Elysee Palace spokesperson said: “Taking into consideration yesterday’s announcement regarding a further day of national action against Pension Reforms next Tuesday [March 28], King Charles the Third’s visit, which was initially scheduled from March 26 to March 29 in our country, will be postponed.
“This decision has been taken by both French and British governments, after a phone call between President Macron and King Charles this morning, so as to ensure His Majesty King Charles III is welcomed in a manner that corresponds to our friendship. The State visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible.”
On Thursday, around 1,000 rubbish bins were set on fire in Paris, the Government said. Bins have become a symbol of the protest as cleansing workers continue weeks-long strikes.
Macron’s Bill would increase France’s retirement age from 62 to 64.
The King and Queen Consort “greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found”, Buckingham Palace said.
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