He told the visiting head of state: “Your excellency, the guard of honour of the Grenadier Guards and Scots Guards is present and ready for your inspection.”

The French leader was joined by King Charles as he walked past the guardsmen who had formed two lines on the quadrangle of Windsor Castle. At the same time, the Massed Band of the

Grenadier Guards and the Scots Guards played L’Entente Cordiale.

Catherine and William join the procession

The Prince and Princess of Wales also joined the procession.

They were seen riding in an Ascot Landau on a state drive to Windsor Castle. The ride put Catherine’s Dior outfit on full display, as well as her Jess Collett bow-adorned hat.

The royal couple were last seen in a royal carriage together on Garter Day in June. Catherine sported a white Self-Portrait look with a triple string of pearls that was reminiscent of today’s Dior ensemble.

A royal carriage procession

The carriage procession arrived at Windsor Castle, where military units awaited a ceremonial welcome.

A guard of honour, formed by the Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards bearing their state colours, stood central. President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte joined the King and Queen on a dais, with the Prince and Princess of Wales nearby.

Macron and the King exchanged warm words, with the President touching the King’s back. The elaborate display also included the Military Knights of Windsor, a Household Cavalry detachment, and the King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard.

King Charles’ eye trouble

Overnight, the King experienced a burst blood vessel in his right eye, which is said to be unrelated to any other health conditions.

However, Charles powered on. Both Charles and Camilla spoke with guests on the dais in Windsor as the military band trumpeted out ahead of the Macrons’ arrival. The monarch was also seen chatting enthusiastically with President Macron, who affectionately tapped Charles on the back.

Glorious in green

Queen Camilla looked glorious in green as she accompanied King Charles by car at Dachet Road in Windsor after travelling from the castle, ready to meet Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron.

Camilla, 77, wore a bright emerald green chiffon dress by Anna Valentine with three-quarter-length sleeves and a shin-skimming skirt.

It was accessorised with a hat by Philip Treacy in the same jewel hue. The royal also sported an emerald and diamond brooch that belonged to the late Queen.

As they stood chatting, Emmanuel Macron placed his hand on the King’s back warmly. Meanwhile, Brigitte Macron greeted the Queen with “la bise” – the customary French greeting of a double air kiss on the cheek.

A right royal welcome

The King and Queen have arrived to greet France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, ahead of a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle.

The King and Queen arrived by car at Dachet Road in Windsor after travelling from the castle.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the state limousine made its way down to the dais as the national anthem played out.

Charles grinned as he took the hand of Brigitte Macron, who smiled warmly back before offering Camilla a kiss on each cheek.

President Macron’s wife looked chic in a fitted white dress and gold accessories.