King Charles addresses French voting chamber in first for British monarchy

Lawmakers in parliament upper house to hear king urge for stronger ties between France and Britain

King Charles will address French lawmakers and senators in the upper house of the French parliament on Thursday - the first time a British monarch has made a speech in a French voting chamber.

On the second day of his state visit, the king is expected to use his speech at the Senate to once again urge for stronger ties between France and Britain. At a lavish banquet at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday night, he said in a toast that it was incumbent upon us all to reinvigorate our friendship to ensure it is fit for the challenge of this, the 21st century".