King Charles III winds up his France state visit in Bordeaux to focus on the climate and sip wine
King Charles III has traveled to the southwestern French city of Bordeaux to focus on climate and the environment
BORDEAUX, France — After pageantry and politics in Paris, King Charles III concluded his three-day state visit to France with a trip down south to Bordeaux on Friday to focus on a more personal passion: the environment.
As the skies cleared following a morning downpour, Charles and Queen Camilla helped plant a loquat leaf oak tree, known for adaptability to a changeable climate, in the garden of Bordeaux City Hall. Locals waved French and British flags, and some shouted “God Save The King,” as the royal couple greeted well-wishers.
French firefighters who helped fight wildfires in the Bordeaux region last year showed the U.K. monarch maps and photos of the devastation, and helped guide him around an experimental forest designed to monitor the impact of climate on urban woodlands.
Charles and Camilla wrapped up their sojourn in France with a tour of the Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte winery, known for its sustainable approach to wine-making. Owners Florence and Daniel Cathiard — and their pet llama — greeted the royal couple and guided them through the vineyard, before clinking glasses in farewell.
Severe drought last year forced Bordeaux's earliest-ever harvest, and the region — which depends heavily on wine exports — has long been working to adapt to climate change. Some are pruning vines in a different way or finding new watering techniques.
Friday’s events marked the third and final day of a state visit aimed at shoring up the alliance between Britain and France after years of disputes related to Brexit, migration and other issues. Charles’ warm words toward France were met with a standing ovation in the
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