Duke and Duchess of Cambridge receive warm welcome during Paris visit

Hollande and the Royal couple appear to share a joke during the short visit Credit: Victoria Jones/PA Wire

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived to a warm Gallic welcome in Paris as they embark on a two-day official Royal visit to France.

Met by President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace on Friday the couple appeared to enjoy a friendly encounter with the French leader and were pictured smiling and laughing on the steps of his official residency.

The timing of the visit comes a week before Theresa May triggers Article 50 and starts the divorce from the EU and the trip is the first in a series of European visits the Cambridges and the Prince of Wales will make over the next few months.

Political commentators have suggested William and Kate's visit could be part of a 'soft diplomatic offensive' aimed at warming relations with France ahead of Brexit talks.

Attending a reception at the British Embassy shortly after arriving in France, Prince William used a speech to guests to make reassurances that the UK and France's partnership "will continue despite Britain's recent decision to leave the EU".

The Royal Couple arrive at the British Embassy in Paris for a reception to launch 'Les Voisins' - a celebration of UK-French links Credit: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PA
The couple also made an appearance at a black-tie event on Friday evening Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Addressing guests Prince William highlighted the connections between the UK and France "run deep" and stressed that there were "ties of history, ties of values, ties of friendship and family - tied above all by the fact our countries are neighbours" which will see cooperation between the two nations continue.

He said: "Always our two nations continually inspire one another to become better: more creative, more prosperous and more innovative.

"This partnership will continue despite Britain's recent decision to leave the European Union.

"The depth of our friendship and the breadth of our cooperation will not change."

Prince William and President Hollande were pictured shaking hands during the visit Credit: PA Wire

During their visit the royal couple are also expected meet those involved in the terrorist attacks at the Bataclan Theatre in Paris as well as the lorry attack in Nice on Bastille Day last year.

They will also be cheering on the Welsh at the Six Nations rugby match between Wales and France at the Stade de France on Saturday.