Prince William to head off on important overseas trip in middle of French state visit

Prince William has announced a major overseas trip, as he plans to jet off from the UK in the middle of the French president’s State Visit to the UK. The Prince of Wales will be heading to Zurich, Switzerland tomorrow to attend the England's Euros match where they will play against Netherlands.

William, who is patron of The Football Association and avid fan of the Lionesses, is expected to travel to Switzerland alone while Princess Kate remains in the UK. The announcement of the trip comes after William presented the women’s football team with their official squad jerseys at the FA’s St George’s Park.

He chatted with coach Sarina Wiegman and team captain Leah Williamson, as he said he hoped to attend the game in person to cheer on the Lionesses as they defend their crown.

READ MORE: Milan Bergamo Airport UPDATES: Person dies after 'sucked into plane's engine'

READ MORE: Households urged to avoid drying clothes on washing lines from Tuesday

Prince William has long supported the Lionesses at their games, as he and his daughter Princess Charlotte sent a message of support to the women’s national team ahead of their game in the 2022 Women’s World Cup.

The visit to Switzerland will come just hours after Prince William welcomes French president Emmanuel Macron to the UK as part of his three-day State Visit.

Prince William and Princess Kate, along with King Charles and Queen Camilla, will welcome Macron and his wife Brigitte to Windsor today before taking a carriage procession through the Berkshire town and along part of the Long Walk, which leads to the castle.

A ceremonial welcome will be staged in the castle's quadrangle with Camilla, William, Kate and Mrs Macron watching as the King and Mr Macron inspect the Guard of Honour.

Numerous other events will also be held today as part of the French State Visit, including a private lunch, an inspection of the Royal Collection exhibition and a state banquet dinner.

King Charles is set to deliver a speech at the state banquet, where he will emphasise the centuries-long relationship between the UK and France, and outline how the countries must work together to confront threats relating to defence, technology and climate change.

In his address, the King will reflect on 1,000 years of "shared history and culture between our two peoples", including many of the royal family's personal connections to France.

Macron’s trip to Windsor marks the first state visit to the UK by an EU head of state since Brexit, and will see Mr Macron address parliamentarians in the Palace of Westminster's Royal Gallery and, on Thursday, join a UK-France Summit at Downing Street.