After six months of waiting, ’s postponed visit to France has been rescheduled for September. Although the exact dates have yet to be confirmed, a Bordeaux newspaper has reported that King Charles is expected to arrive in on Wednesday 20 September. France was originally – a sign of Their Majesties intention to forge relationships between Britain and her European neighbour. However, the visit at the end of March was delayed with just two days' notice due to the nationwide protests that erupted over French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed changes to state pensions. Instead, in their first state visit. The original itinerary involved a visit to Bordeaux and a state dinner at the Château de Versailles. The royal residence outside Paris was at the heart of some of the opposition to the royal visit: due to the palace being a symbol of France’s monarchist past, many feared His Majesty’s visit would draw unwanted comparisons. However, it is understood there are still plans for a state dinner to be held at the palace. Such an occasion would mean an opportunity for royal watchers to glimpse the in their white tie finery – and , although Her Majesty’s attendance has not yet been confirmed. Though history and culture are of great interest to the King, he might also witness some of the Rugby World Cup, which takes place in France from 8 September - 23 October. There are reports that his son, , intends to watch the Wales vs. Fiji match on 10 September. There is also a chance that King Charles might bump into Pope Francis, who is due to visit Marseilles on 22-23 September, the same time that His Majesty is expected in Bordeaux. Whilst no official statement has been made regarding the new visit, Buckingham Palace initially said the tour would ‘celebrate Britain’s relationship with France’ and ‘our shared histories, culture and values’. It added it 'will also provide an opportunity to look forwards and demonstrate the many ways the UK is working in partnership with France [and Germany, part of the original tour], whether that be to tackle climate change; respond to the conflict in ; seize trade and investment opportunities or share the best of our arts and culture.’ The tour will mark the King’s 35th official visit to France. Her Majesty Queen Camilla has undertaken eight official visits. Their Majesties last visited France in 2019, attending a service in Bayeux Cathedral to mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. was in 2014, accompanied by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In a speech delivered partly in French at a state banquet, in the same ballroom at the Élysée which is set to host the King, she noted the many similarities and links between the two nations, which she said gave her ‘immense confidence in the future of relations between us.’ She added: ‘I recall my own happiness, discovering this beautiful country for myself and for the first time, and developing my own great affection for the French people. Wherever two or more of our countrymen gather, there one finds the unique mixture of friendship, good-humoured rivalry and admiration that is the essence of Anglo-French relations.’