King Charles, Macron to view Bayeux Tapestry as French leader starts UK visit

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit London on Wednesday, where he will meet with the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the reigning monarch, King Charles III, along with his spouse Queen Camilla. Macron's agenda includes a private viewing of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, a 230-foot-long, 1,000-year-old embroidery that narrates the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The loan of the tapestry, insured for 960 billion euros, is part of a 10-month exhibition slated to open on September 10.

Burnham hailed the tapestry's return to Britain as a "landmark moment in the history of our two nations." The leaders will deliver speeches at a reception in the museum's Great Court, attended by representatives from Britain and France who were involved in the loan, as well as schoolchildren from both countries. The Bayeux Tapestry, hand-stitched with wool thread on linen fabric, depicts events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which marked the end of Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman reign over England. The invasion fostered a complex and close relationship between Britain and France.

The French President's visit is part of a state visit to the U.K. in July 2025, during which the loan of the tapestry was announced. In return, the British Museum is loaning Viking and Anglo-Saxon treasures to museums in Normandy. Burnham, who assumed office six weeks ago, will host Macron for talks at 10 Downing St. on Thursday. The U.K. highlighted its efforts to curb migrant crossings by small boats, which have decreased by more than 40% compared to the previous year.