Time to smooth some ruffled Gallic feathers?

It could be time for little detente in Downing Street today when David Cameron welcomes the French president Francois Hollande to London.

Their relationship has been described as the Entente non-cordiale, after David Cameron first refused to meet Monsieur Hollande when he was in opposition, then joked about rolling out the red carpet for French businesses fleeing prospective tax hikes.

In return, Monsieur Hollande has attacked Britain's stance over the Euro crisis, saying:

Officials must be hoping the two men can establish a better rapport at their meeting today.

If not the Queen, who will welcome the French President to Windsor Castle later, may have to step into the breach and smooth some ruffled Gallic feathers.