Such visits are a “soft power” opportunity to strengthen trade, cultural and defence ties, in this case with an important European partner. The state visit will be hosted in Windsor Castle while building work is carried out at Buckingham Palace.
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ summer plans come after Kate withdrew from the Royal Ascot procession list last week, with festival organisers calling it an administrative error.
Kate was initially named among the guests joining the King in the traditional carriage procession, which marked its 200th anniversary, but a revised list was quickly issued after Kensington Palace confirmed she would not be attending.
Despite not attending Royal Ascot, in the lead up to the event, Princess Kate attended three engagements. She visited the new V&A East Storeroom exhibition space in London, the King’s official birthday celebrations at Trooping the Colour, and Garter Day in Windsor.
As Kate navigates her return to full-time duties after being diagnosed with cancer last year, an insider has spoken out about her current approach to public appearances. Speaking to the Daily Mail, they said: “She’s quite strict now at working out what she needs to be at and what she doesn’t.
“And people forget that even if they aren’t seeing her in public, she is very hands-on behind the scenes with the team in the office. She has her own projects to pursue, such as her early years initiative. That’s a lifelong commitment for HRH.”
One of the next upcoming public appearances from Kate is expected to be Wimbledon, which runs from June 30 to July 13, and Kate made an appearance last year alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte.