King Charles switched between English and French in a state banquet speech that warmly celebrated the deep cultural, political and historic ties between the UK and France. That partnership would be vital in the alliance supporting Ukraine, said the King, in “defence of liberty and freedom from oppression.”

King Charles III highlighted the crucial bonds between the United Kingdom and France in the face of a “multitude of more complex threats,” as he welcomed President Emmanuel Macron for the first state visit by a European leader to his country since Brexit.

The racing is under way and we're expecting fireworks in the final 50km where explosive climbing and skilful descending will likely come to the fore and the GC favourites may have their first proper skirmish in this edition of the Tour de France.

Belgian rider Tim Merlier has won the crash-marred third stage of the Tour de France in a photo finish and Mathieu Van der Poel has kept the yellow jersey

Tadej Pogačar secured his 100th professional career win, beating Mathieu Van der Poel in the fourth stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday.