The French Presidency confirmed the postponement on Friday morning, while Buckingham Palace has yet to comment.

It is understood new dates for the visit will be confirmed shortly.

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.

The King's state visit to France, the first of his reign, has been postponed, the French Presidency said, amid protests in the country over retirement age reforms. Issue date: Friday March 24, 2023.

The Elysee Palace has announced the King’s first state visit of his reign has been postponed after the announcement of more protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s retirement age reforms.

In a statement, the Elysee 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.”

Buckingham Palace also confirmed the postponement in a statement: “The King and The Queen Consort’s state visit to France has been postponed.

“Their Majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found.”

Charles and Camilla were due to travel from France to Germany for a state visit, from next Wednesday to Friday, and it is understood the visit to Berlin will proceed as planned.

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King Charles state visit to France postponed amid widespread retirement age protests