LONDON (AP) — French troops joined their British counterparts in the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace for the first time Monday, marching together in a display of solidarity between Britain and France amid the war in Ukraine.
At a parallel ceremony in Paris, British soldiers donned tall bearskin hats to take part in an unprecedented joint military parade in front of the presidential Elysée Palace, as the French army choir sang the two national anthems, “God Save the King” and “La Marseillaise.”
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British soldiers and Republican Guards arrive at the Elysee Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024 in Paris. Sixteen soldiers from No 7 Company Coldstream Guards and 32 members of the Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine mount guard at the Elysee palace as British troops join French guards in a special ceremony at the Elysee Palace to celebrate 120 years of "entente cordiale" between the longtime rival powers. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool)
Members of the public watch as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Britain's Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, on behalf of King Charles III, with French Ambassador to the UK, Helene Duchene, watch as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Britain's Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh attends as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Scots Guards and troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
French Chief of the Army Staff, General Pierre Schill, left and Clive Alderton, Private Secretary to Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla, centre, watch as Scots Guards and troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
A member of the Scots Guards and a member of France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine shake hands as they partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
Scots Guards and troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
Britain's Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh attends as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
A member of the Scots Guards and a member of France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine shake hands as they partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Scots Guards and troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron and British ambassador to France Menna Rawlings stand with British soldiers and Republican Guards at the Elysee Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024 in Paris. Sixteen soldiers from No 7 Company Coldstream Guards and 32 members of the Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine mount guard at the Elysee palace as British troops join French guards in a special ceremony at the Elysee Palace to celebrate 120 years of "entente cordiale" between the longtime rival powers. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine arrive at Buckingham Palace, to partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron and British ambassador to France Menna Rawlings gesture outside the Elysee Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024 in Paris. Sixteen soldiers from No 7 Company Coldstream Guards and 32 members of the Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine mount guard at the Elysee palace as British troops join French guards in a special ceremony at the Elysee Palace to celebrate 120 years of "entente cordiale" between the longtime rival powers. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool)
Britain's Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh attends as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
British soldiers and Republican Guards stand guard at the Elysee Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024 in Paris. Sixteen soldiers from No 7 Company Coldstream Guards and 32 members of the Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine mount guard at the Elysee palace as British troops join French guards in a special ceremony at the Elysee Palace to celebrate 120 years of "entente cordiale" between the longtime rival powers. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
The twin events were to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, the 1904 diplomatic agreement between Britain and France that paved the way for their collaboration in both World War I and World War II.
In a video message posted on social media on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said the alliance was a foundation for deepening Anglo-French relations particularly at a time of the return of war.
“Our Entente Cordiale remains as relevant as ever,” Macron said. “Faced with the resurgence of war in Europe, we stand together to defend the values we share and to support Ukraine as it defends itself against its aggressor.”
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie inspected the joint parade, which included 32 members of the Gendarmerie's Garde Républicaine and 40 guardsmen from the Scots Guards. King Charles III, who is continuing his cancer treatment, was not at Buckingham Palace.
It was the first time a country that isn't part of the Commonwealth group of nations has taken part in the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony, though the French troops did not participate in guarding the royal residence — a ceremonial duty that can only be performed by U.K. or Commonwealth troops.
In Paris, 16 members of the Coldstream Guards were the first foreign troops ever to take part in guarding the French presidential residence.
Britain and France said Monday's ceremonies were part of a wider program this year to celebrate the two countries' historic military and diplomatic ties. This includes major events in Normandy in June to commemorate the service of Allied veterans who fought to liberate France from Nazi occupation.
Associated Press writer Barbara Surk in Nice contributed to this report.
British soldiers and Republican Guards arrive at the Elysee Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024 in Paris. Sixteen soldiers from No 7 Company Coldstream Guards and 32 members of the Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine mount guard at the Elysee palace as British troops join French guards in a special ceremony at the Elysee Palace to celebrate 120 years of "entente cordiale" between the longtime rival powers. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool)
Members of the public watch as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Britain's Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, on behalf of King Charles III, with French Ambassador to the UK, Helene Duchene, watch as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Britain's Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh attends as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Scots Guards and troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
French Chief of the Army Staff, General Pierre Schill, left and Clive Alderton, Private Secretary to Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla, centre, watch as Scots Guards and troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
A member of the Scots Guards and a member of France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine shake hands as they partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
Scots Guards and troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
Britain's Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh attends as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
A member of the Scots Guards and a member of France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine shake hands as they partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
Scots Guards and troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron and British ambassador to France Menna Rawlings stand with British soldiers and Republican Guards at the Elysee Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024 in Paris. Sixteen soldiers from No 7 Company Coldstream Guards and 32 members of the Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine mount guard at the Elysee palace as British troops join French guards in a special ceremony at the Elysee Palace to celebrate 120 years of "entente cordiale" between the longtime rival powers. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine arrive at Buckingham Palace, to partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron and British ambassador to France Menna Rawlings gesture outside the Elysee Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024 in Paris. Sixteen soldiers from No 7 Company Coldstream Guards and 32 members of the Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine mount guard at the Elysee palace as British troops join French guards in a special ceremony at the Elysee Palace to celebrate 120 years of "entente cordiale" between the longtime rival powers. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool)
Britain's Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh attends as troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
British soldiers and Republican Guards stand guard at the Elysee Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024 in Paris. Sixteen soldiers from No 7 Company Coldstream Guards and 32 members of the Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine mount guard at the Elysee palace as British troops join French guards in a special ceremony at the Elysee Palace to celebrate 120 years of "entente cordiale" between the longtime rival powers. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool)
Troops from France's 1er Regiment de le Garde Republicaine partake in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale - the historic diplomatic agreement between Britain and France which laid the groundwork for their collaboration in both world wars, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP)
