French President lays wreath at Warrior's grave

Tuesday, 8th July 2025

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and Mrs Brigitte Macron visited Westminster Abbey on Tuesday 8th July as part of their State Visit to the United Kingdom.

The President and Mrs Macron were welcomed to the Abbey by the Reverend David Stanton, Sub-Dean, and members of Chapter.

Canon Stanton led prayers at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, before inviting the President to lay a wreath in honour of all those who have given their lives in the cause of peace, saying:

'We honour the Unknown Warrior. His body was brought here in 1920 from a battlefield cemetery in northern France and given a state funeral. His presence recalls to mind the World Wars and conflicts of the past century in which the forces of the Crown have been engaged together with those of our nation's allies. [...] Here we pray for those who strive on our behalf for justice, freedom and reconciliation.'

Following the wreath laying ceremony, members of the Abbey Choir sang Panis Angelicus by French composer Cesar Franck.

Canon Stanton then escorted President and Mrs Macron on a tour of the Abbey. They were shown the High Altar and Cosmati Pavement, the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor, and the Abbey's royal tombs. Following the tour, they signed the Distinguished Visitors' Book.