British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to join French President Emmanuel Macron at a ceremony in Paris commemorating the 106th anniversary of the Armistice on Monday. This event serves as a symbol of the enduring friendship between their two nations, as countries worldwide honor the memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I.
This historic occasion marks the first time a British leader has participated in such a ceremony since Winston Churchill was hosted by Gen. Charles de Gaulle in 1944, according to Starmer's office. The Paris event is reminiscent of the Franco-British commemorations held 80 years ago, when Allied forces liberated a significant portion of France from Nazi occupation, as noted by Macron's office.
Additionally, this year holds significance as it commemorates the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, a pivotal agreement between France and the United Kingdom. Starmer and Macron will commence the day by meeting at the Elysee presidential palace before proceeding to the Champs-Elysees avenue to lay wreaths at the statues of Georges Clemenceau and Churchill, both key figures during the Armistice period.
The highlight of the day will be the traditional ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe monument, where the leaders will rekindle the flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The French Army Choir is scheduled to perform both France's national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” and the British anthem, “God Save the King.”
Expressing his sentiments, Starmer stated, “I am honored to be in Paris standing in solidarity with President Macron to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the First World War, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we cherish today.” The prime minister also revealed that the British government has allocated over 10 million pounds for next year's 80th anniversary commemorations of the Allied victory in Europe and the conclusion of World War II with Japan's defeat.
