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The Coronation viewed from France

Writer's picture: Matthew WarrenMatthew Warren

Updated: May 8, 2023


Photo credit: Katie Chan


For a country that likes to celebrate the disposal of its own monarchy, France shows a lot of interest in the royal goings-on over the Channel. Le Couronnement de Charles III was no exception. The two main TV channels, TF1 and France2, carried live coverage of the event as did the 24-hour news channels.



Promotional image for France 2's coverage of the Coronation


Political reactions in this country of proud Republicans were mixed. President Macron, who attended the Coronation with his wife, sent a simple message of congratulations in both English and French.


President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, arriving at Westminster Abbey. Source: BFM TV


The leader of the centre-right Les Républicains, Eric Ciotti, was a bit more effusive, offering his best wishes for success.

Former health and culture minister, Roselyne Bachelot, was less diplomatic. On rolling news channel BFM TV she denounced the Coronation as ridiculous, commenting that King Charles was dressed in “carnival clothing” and that at least his ears helped the crown stay in place.

Source: Roselyne Bachelot, BFM TV, 7 May 2023


She wasn’t the only one to find some humour in events. This cartoon in weekly newspaper Le Canard Enchainé gave President Macron his own crown, but in this case a saucepan. This is in reference to the current wave of protests against his government where protestors bang saucepans to ‘welcome’ ministers when they are out on official visits.


Source: Le Canard Enchainé


Alexis Corbière, a member of parliament with the left-wing La France Insoumise, took a more serious tone. He wondered on Twitter why French media was “saturated with the Coronation and filled with silly, pro-monarchist commentary …. we French are republicans because the monarchy is an anti-democratic aberration”.


As usual, the leader of La France Insoumise, Jean Luc Mélenchon, could be relied on to deliver one of the most damning soundbites.


He asked during a speech in Marseille why TV coverage was dripping with the “disgusting syrup” (sirops dégoûtants) of the monarchy while so many people were living in misery. He added that “in front of a population that has been so humiliated by neo-liberal policies, this cinema with a man dressed up in jewels and precious stones is nauseating”. It reminds us, he added, “why we are profoundly republican”.


Despite those views, figures out on Sunday morning reported that nine million people in France tuned in to watch the event on TV.

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