Royal Family is in safe hands despite the void left by King Charles, Kate and William – analysis by Cameron Walker

Monday’s impressive display of pomp and pageantry on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace was a prime example of the monarchy’s soft power.

Britain’s relationship with France became icy in the years following the Brexit referendum, but King Charles and Queen Camilla’s State Visit to the country last September appeared to help Rishi Sunak’s administration thaw relations.

The 120th anniversary of The Entente Cordiale, where Britain and France committed to a “warm understanding” ending decades of disputes, was another opportunity for the British monarchy to exercise its ‘power of soft diplomacy’.

For the first time in history, French soldiers were permitted to take part in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace – an act personally approved by King Charles.