The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ambassador says royal visit ‘very exciting’
Trip ‘underlines close ties between countries which are allies and friends’
Britain’s ambassador to France has hailed the imminent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Paris as “very exciting”, as William faced further media criticism over his “lads only” skiing break.
Edward Llewellyn said William and Kate’s trip would underline the close ties between Britain and France, which range from culture and sport to the arts.
The royal couple made their first public appearance since the duke’s skiing trip to Verbier, when they honoured the Irish Guards on St Patrick’s Day yesterday in London.
Later they flew to Paris in a private chartered plane.
William has been criticised by newspapers who poked fun at his antics on the dance floor and in the DJ booth, but also questioned his judgment at missing a major Commonwealth celebration with the Queen for the social event.
When asked about the Verbier trip a spokesman for Kensington Palace said about the duke: “He’s very much looking forward to this visit.”
Speaking ahead of the arrival of the royal couple, the ambassador said: “This is a very exciting and special day, the first official visit by the royal couple, by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to Paris.”
Mr Llewellyn said that during his short time in office, just four months, he had been struck by the “deep affection” the French have for the royal family.
When they arrive the royal couple will meet President Francois Hollande and later be guests of honour at a glittering dinner party in Paris.
The black-tie event, hosted by Mr Llewellyn, will celebrate the friendship and cultural ties between the UK and France, and among the guests will be celebrities from the worlds of film and sport.
Acclaimed actress Kristin Scott Thomas is expected to attend, along with French acting stars Jean Reno and Audrey Tautou and former Arsenal footballer Robert Pires.
The ambassador said: “This visit also underlines the very close ties between Britain and France, countries which are allies, which are friends, but more than that, this is something we will be underlining in this visit, we have the ties of neighbours, of neighbouring countries.
“And we will be launching during the duke and duchess’s visit a programme entitled Les Voisins – the neighbours – and that is a programme over the course of this year (to) celebrate and highlight and underline the ties that go beyond the traditional ties of government, important though they are.”