King Charles III's visit to France has been postponed

The first State visit by Britain's King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla to France, has been postponed, amid ongoing civil unrest. 

French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron’s office made the announcement on Friday morning, after a week of strike action intensified, and brought a million people to the streets in protest at the government's plans to reform pensions . 

"Given the announcement yesterday of a new general strike against pension reform next Tuesday (March 28), King Charles III's visit - initially planned between March 26 to March 29 in our country will be postponed," the statement from Macron's office said. 

Charles and Camilla had been scheduled to arrive in France on Sunday, before continuing to Germany on Wednesday. The German part of the trip is still going ahead as planned. 

The decision to postpone the royal visit was "made this morning by French and UK governments following a phone call between the president of the French Republic and the King, in order to be able to host his Majesty King Charles III in conditions that correspond to our friendly relationship" the Élysée Palace said. 

"This State visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible."

More information to follow.