Macron joins King Charles and new UK prime minister for Bayeux Tapestry viewing

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in London on Wednesday to meet newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham and to attend a private viewing of the Bayeux Tapestry alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the British Museum. The 230-foot embroidered cloth, insured for 960 billion euros, is on loan for a ten-month display that opens to the public on Sept. 10, marking its first arrival on British soil since the 11th century.

After the viewing, Macron and the king will address a reception with officials and schoolchildren from both nations. Burnham, who assumed office six weeks ago, will host Macron at 10 Downing St. on Thursday, focusing on curbing Channel migrant crossings, law-enforcement cooperation, and broader topics including the U.S.-Iran conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war and strengthening ties with the EU. The cultural exchange follows a state visit in July 2025 that also saw the British Museum lend Viking and Anglo-Saxon artifacts to Normandy museums.