French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in London on Wednesday for a visit that includes a meeting with new U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and a private viewing of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum. Macron and Burnham, along with their spouses, will join King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the viewing of the nearly 1,000-year-old embroidery, which depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
The tapestry, loaned by France for a 10-month exhibition, is on British soil for the first time since the 11th century. Its arrival in London in July was a high-security operation. The loan was initially announced during Macron's state visit to the U.K. in July 2025, and in return, the British Museum is lending Viking and Anglo-Saxon treasures to museums in Normandy.
Macron and Burnham are scheduled to hold talks at 10 Downing Street on Thursday. A primary focus of their discussions is expected to be efforts to curb the number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. The U.K. government has stated that increased cooperation with France has led to a more than 40% reduction in such crossings this year compared to the previous year.
Global conflicts, including the wars in Iran and Ukraine, are also anticipated to be on the agenda. Both France and the U.K. have been key players in supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion, and Burnham has affirmed the U.K.'s commitment to continued backing for Kyiv.
Additionally, Prime Minister Burnham expressed an interest in strengthening ties with the European Union to address what he described as a "decade of low growth" following the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The Bayeux Tapestry, stitched with wool thread on linen, details events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in October 1066. This historic event marked the end of Saxon rule in England and the beginning of Norman rule under William the Conqueror, establishing a complex relationship between Britain and France.
The U.K. government announced plans for a digital exhibition to share the tapestry's story across the nation. A "live national history lesson" for schoolchildren is also scheduled for Oct. 14, coinciding with the historical significance of the date. The tapestry is insured for 960 million euros ($1.1 billion) for the duration of its loan. Previous reporting incorrectly stated the insurance value was 960 billion euros.