At the moment, King Charles and Queen Camilla will still arrive in Paris on Sunday. Their first state visits as monarchs will be in France and Germany. Charles and Camilla originally planned to highlight the UK's historical ties with European countries, rather than Commonwealth nations. When the British government thought that Macron was a popular leader, it was initially proposed and planned for France. Except that Macron barely got through a vote to no confidence. French peeps are striking, burning sh-t, refusing trash collection, protesting, rioting and all the rest. Macron is raising retirement age, but he's not playing with unions. Charles will arrive in a city filled with garbage, fire, and angry French people. It is causing a panic among the palace courtiers.

A close eye! Buckingham Palace sources said that they are keeping a close eye on France's situation after millions of union and non-union members walked out this week. Protests across France were triggered by President Emmanuel Macron's government's increase in retirement age.

France is at this moment: Gas stations and refineries have been blocked, fuel stations have run out, planes are unable to take flight, rubbish has rotted in the streets and 790 people were arrested in Paris in just six days. Hauliers have been staging their signature operation escargot (snail operation), in which they drive slowly along major roads and through intersections. Frenchtoday.com lists 52 items of strike vocabulary. It's only a matter time before one farmer breaks through the police lines to perform the most Gallic expression of disgust with the president: dropping a load (une décharge) of manure on the steps of Elysee Palace. BP is worried: This is starting to be alarming for planners of the king’s visit. According to palace sources, they are taking advice from the French side and admit that there could be an impact on logistics.

Well, Le Monde, the French newspaper of record, stated that the strikes indicated France was "on the brink" of being unknowable and condemned the burning of Macron's effigies on French streets. Le Monde reports that a new chant is emerging among protesters gathered at the Place de la Concorde, calling for Macron to be beheaded.

[From The Daily Beast]

First, Macron is someone I sympathize with. It was not the best way to raise the retirement age. But holy sh-t, it's something. I wish all our French friends can get through this. The royal visit... I love everything about it. Charles didn't know that Paris would become a riot city when he planned the state visit. This is going to be great! They'll be especially if they are chanting about guillotines and lighting effigies.

Photos courtesy Avalon Red, Instar.