- King Charles and French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the exhibition housing the historic Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum on Wednesday.
- The Bayeux Tapestry has been loaned to the British Museum from its home in northern France, marking its first return to England since it was made.
- The exhibition will open to the public on September 10 and run until July next year.
- The first batch of tickets for the exhibition has sold out, generating nearly £2.5 million and making it the museum's best-selling exhibition.
- The Bayeux Tapestry, depicting William I's conquest of England in 1066, was made in the 11th century.
- The loan of the Tapestry was confirmed last July during Macron's state visit to Britain, symbolizing closer ties between the countries.
- The embroidery arrived in Britain in July, transported in an air-conditioned, anti-vibration crate under police escort.
King Charles and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to view the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, marking a historic moment as the tapestry is displayed in England for the first time since its creation nearly 1,000 years ago.125
The tapestry, a 70-metre (230-foot) embroidery, recounts the events leading to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a pivotal moment in English history.7
"The return of the Bayeux Tapestry to England is a landmark moment in the history of our two nations," said British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, emphasizing the significance of the event in strengthening ties between the UK and France.
The tapestry was loaned under an agreement with the French government, symbolizing improved relations post-Brexit.6
The exhibition has generated immense interest, with the first batch of tickets selling out and raising nearly £2.5 million ($3.4 million), making it the museum's best-selling exhibition.34
Charles and Macron, along with their wives, will walk the length of the tapestry, examining key moments such as the coronation of Harold Godwinson and his subsequent death during the battle.
This event not only celebrates shared heritage but also aims to foster ongoing collaboration between the two nations.
“The Tapestry, loaned under a deal with France, is on English soil for the first time since it was made, with tickets up to £33 sold out. The exhibition opens to the public on September 10 and runs until July next year.”
