Starmer Joins Macron to Honor Armistice Day and Franco-British Ties

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron stood side by side in Paris on Monday to commemorate the 106th anniversary of the Armistice.

Nations across the world honored the end of World War I and paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the conflict.

The ceremony was also a powerful symbol of Franco-British unity as they reflect on their shared history.

This was the first time that a British leader was present at this commemoration in France since Winston Churchill attended Armistice events with General Charles de Gaulle in 1944.

Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet at the Elysée Palace on Nov. 11, 2024 in Paris, France. Starmer is joining Macron at a Paris ceremony marking the 106th anniversary of... Pierre Suu/Getty Images

What is Armistice Day?

The event also marks 120 years since the signing of the Entente Cordiale, the landmark agreement that solidified a historic partnership between the United Kingdom and France.

The day began with a meeting at the Elysee Palace between Macron and Starmer before moving to the Champs-Elysees.

Together, they laid wreaths at the statues of Georges Clemenceau, France's prime minister at the time of the Armistice, and Churchill, Britain's wartime leader.

The two leaders then proceeded to the Arc de Triomphe for the official ceremony, relighting the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

'Enduring Friendship' Between Britain and France

The ceremony featured both nations' anthems, "La Marseillaise" and "God Save the King," performed by the French Army Choir.

"I am honored to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today," Starmer said in a statement.

His presence, he said, symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations and their shared commitment to peace and remembrance.

Starmer announced that the British government has committed over 10 million pounds to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, which will take place next year.

Princess Kate Moved by Remembrance Service

Starmer, former Prime Ministers and current British politicians attended the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in London on Sunday.

King Charles III and Prince William both laid wreaths during the moving service.

Princess Kate appeared to well up with tears at the service, which she watched alongside Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, from the balcony of the U.K. Foreign Office.

Queen Camilla missed the service owing to a chest infection. The 77-year-old had been expected to attend both a Royal Albert Hall event on Saturday and the Cenotaph on Sunday but pulled out.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

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