Woeful waxwork of King Charles unveiled in France as state visit postponed
Legendary waxwork exhibitor Madame Tussaud was famous for her creations bearing an uncanny resemblance to their real-life subjects.
The French exile's London emporium is to this day one of the world's major tourist draws - but it seems she took her modelling skills with her when she departed her native land.
For the waxworks unveiled in Paris ahead of King Charles' state visit bear but a passing resemblance to the monarch - and that's if you are being charitable.
The visit - Charles' first intended state tour as king - has been officially postponed because France is embroiled in domestic political unrest.
But maybe the king was being diplomatic and just didn't fancy showing up the poor skills of his hosts' sculptors - had he been asked to pose for photos next to his own 'likeness'.
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At least the clothes on the wax model look the part. The statue of King Charles sees him wearing a Hunting Stewart kilt, an Argyll jacket, a sporran, the kiltpin and the Sgian Dubh made by the Maison du Kilt.
It was revealed at the Grévin Museum in Paris's Grands Boulevards which has showcased its creations since 1882 and has a waxwork of the late Queen.
The waxwork in the Musee Grevin (Getty Images)
The late Queen Elizabeth also has a waxwork (Berzane Nasser/ABACA/REX/Shutterstock)Charles' trip, which was to begin on Sunday and be followed by a state visit to Germany, had been in the planning for months, and was aimed at strengthening ties between Britain and its continental neighbours.
But widespread protests over President Emmanuel Macron’s retirement age reforms has seen Buckingham Palace have a rethink.
The French Presidency confirmed the postponement of what would have been the first state visit of the King’s reign and Downing Street later said Mr Macron had asked the British Government to postpone the trip.
It is understood the trip to Berlin, which will now be the first state visit of the King’s reign, will proceed as planned between March 29 and 31.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “The King and Queen Consort’s state visit to France has been postponed.
“This decision was taken with the consent of all parties, after the President of France asked the British Government to postpone the visit.”
In a statement, the Elysee Palace said: “In light of yesterday’s announcement of a new national day of action against pension reforms on Tuesday, March 28 in France, the visit of King Charles III, originally scheduled for March 26 to 29 in our country, will be postponed.
“This decision was taken by the French and British governments, after a telephone exchange between the President of the Republic and the King this morning, in order to be able to welcome His Majesty King Charles III in conditions that correspond to our friendly relationship. This state visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible.”
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Tens of thousands of mainly peaceful demonstrators took to the streets of Paris on Thursday – the ninth day of nationwide protests – but violence erupted when French police clashed with black-clad, masked groups who targeted at least two fast food restaurants, a supermarket and a bank.
More peaceful times will hopefully return to allow King Charles to resurrect his visit. In any case, the postponement of his trip gives the French sculptors the chance to have another go at their exhibit.
Madame Tussaud herself was imprisoned during her country's revolution, which infamously saw members of French royalty and nobility literally losing their heads on the guillotine.
That might be the best, albeit drastic, approach taken to the Charles waxwork - and to start again from scratch.
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