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France was hit by riotous demonstrations, King Charles III and Empress Camilla from the United Kingdom canceled their visit. Photo/REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
PARIS – Raja Charles III and Empress Camilla of the United Kingdom canceled a state visit to French this weekend after the country was hit by riotous demonstrations.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s anti-government activists have previously threatened to target King Charles’ visit. Activists and demonstrators are angry over the pension reform.
According to the French Presidency, King Charles’s visit is planned to begin next Sunday. But the visit was rescheduled because the situation did not allow it.
The decision to cancel the visit was made after President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles made a phone call.
“In light of yesterday’s announcement of yet another national protest against pension reform on Tuesday, King Charles’ visit, originally scheduled for March 26 to 29, will be postponed,” the Elysee Palace said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace also said: “The King and Empress’ State Visit to France has been postponed.
“Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as the dates are found,” the spokesperson continued.
The couple’s state visit to Germany, scheduled for March 29 to April 2, will go ahead as planned.
The rioting anti-Macron rallies were sparked by the pension reform. Last week, Macron raised the retirement age from 62 to 64 without a vote in Parliament, sparking outrage across the country.
