French union SUD-Rail called on everyone to “go to Versailles” to protest against the visit of King Charles III of Britain, who is due to attend a dinner party with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles next Monday.
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“We have two kings today, one in the UK and one in France. Let’s all go to Versailles to receive them in the ‘French tradition’,” union spokesman Fabien Villedieu told BFMTV on Thursday.
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Earlier, the unions of Mobilier national, a company affiliated with the French Ministry of Culture, which organizes visits of dignitaries, including lunches and dinners, said that employees would not provide “no red carpet, no furnishing, no accommodation” for the royal family. However, on Thursday, the company assured that they have “enough non-strike personnel” to organize a reception for high-ranking guests.
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Earlier, the channel reported that the program of the visit of King Charles III to France may be changed, and his dinner with Macron, scheduled for Monday, may not take place at the Palace of Versailles due to demonstrations against pension reform.
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It was noted that the Elysee Palace is considering holding dinner elsewhere. At the same time, all stages of the king’s visit: the ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, a visit to the Orsay Museum, a state banquet, as well as a train ride to Bordeaux – will take place against the backdrop of increased mobilization of law enforcement forces. According to the media, 100% of the staff of the Directorate of Public Order and Traffic of France (DOPC) will be involved.
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In early March, the Elysee Palace announced that King Charles III of Great Britain would make his first state visit to France on March 26-29. It was noted that the visit reflects the “deep historical ties” between the countries and will be “an honor for France.” It was planned that Macron would host an official dinner in honor of the British monarch and his wife Camilla at the Palace of Versailles on March 27.
