​​General De Gaulle first setup office at 7 Curzon Place, next to Hyde Park, after withdrawal from France. He was quickly joined by others from France, and they moved to St-Stephens House, Victoria embankment. It was from here that the Provisional French National Committee officially supported the British Government. 

​Later, on 2 July 1940, the Free French moved to Carlton Gardens, where they remained until 1943. They used the 70 cramped offices within the building. It was from this building that, on 18 June 1940, General De Gaulle addressed the French Nation with his famous speech: 

​‘To all Frenchmen 

​France has lost a battle! But France has not lost the War. 

​Some of those in power were able to capitulate, yielding to panic, forgetting honour, delivering the country into servitude. However, nothing is lost! Nothing is lost because this war is a world war. IN the free world, huge forces have not yet been deployed. One day, these forces will wipe out the enemy. ON that day, France must be present at the victory. Thus she will rediscover her liberty and her greatness. Such is my goal, my only goal! That is why I invite all Frenchmen wherever they may be to unite with me in action, in sacrifice and in hope. Our country is in mortal danger. Let us all fight to save her! 

​Long live France!’ 

​Today, his speech is commemorated on a plaque outside the house recalling, in French, his famous words during the dark days of 1940, when he tried to inspire hope among the French people. 

​There is also a blue plaque on the corner of the building to remember the presence of Charles De Gaulle. Directly across the road facing into the square is a statue of the General. 

​The statue was unveiled in 1993, following work by Mary Soames, the daughter of Sir Winston Churchill, to create a lasting memorial to him and the Free French. Each year on 18 June, French embassy officials attend a service of commemoration here.