Macron visits the Bayeux Tapestry with King Charles and Prime Minister Burnham

The Bayeux Tapestry has crossed the Channel for the first time since the 11th century, and Emmanuel Macron joined King Charles III and Prime Minister Andy Burnham to see it in London. The French president began a two-day visit to the United Kingdom by walking the length of the 70-meter embroidery at the British Museum with Brigitte Macron, Queen Camilla and Burnham’s wife, Marie-France van Heel.

Charles called the temporary loan an “unprecedented loan” and a “precious symbol of trust” between Britain and France. Macron said the two countries were “as close as the threads” in the artwork. Burnham described the tapestry’s return as “a landmark moment” in the history of the two nations.

The embroidery, normally displayed in Bayeux in Normandy, depicts the events of 1066 that ended with William the Conqueror claiming the English throne. It is thought to be incomplete and may have been made in the British Isles, but it has remained in France since the 11th century. The artwork arrived in Britain secretly in July and will go on public display for a 10-month exhibition beginning September 10.

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An unprecedented loan

The loan was first announced during Macron’s state visit last year. The tapestry shows the Norman conquest, including the famous image of King Harold Godwinson apparently being shot in the eye with an arrow. Modern historians believe that detail may be a myth or artistic exaggeration.

Macron’s visit is his first UK trip since Burnham took office six weeks ago, and the leaders’ first in-person meeting in their current roles. Burnham also pointed to broader cooperation, telling the House of Commons that the partnership behind the loan had helped reduce summer small-boat crossings in the English Channel to a seven-year low.

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As close as the threads