09-07-2025
French President Emmanuel Macron snubbed by wife Brigitte when he offered her a helping hand as UK state visit kicks off
French President Emmanuel Macron has been awkwardly snubbed by his wife Brigitte as he offered her a helping hand at their state visit to the UK.
King Charles invited Macron for a three-day visit, which began on Tuesday.
It marks the first time a European Union head of state has visited the UK since then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited in 2008.
During the very awkward interaction, Mrs Macron ignored Mr Macron after the President disembarked his jet at RAF Northolt in West London.
He was seen waiting for his wife at the bottom of the steps of the jet with his hand outstretched as she made the short journey down.
However, Mrs Macron instead used the handrail to guide herself, and with Mr Macron left hanging, he dropped his outstretched hand.
Whether the snub was intentional or just a mishap remains unclear, but the frosty relations between the couple didn't end there.
The Macrons were later seen in a car waiting to leave the base, with Bridgette again seen ignoring her husband to look at her phone.
Prince William and Princess Catherine greeted the couple at the Ceremonial Welcome, where Mr Macron kissed Catherine's hand.
The Princess of Wales stunned in a dusty pink Christian Dior jacket, which she paired with a hat by British designer Jess Collett, Princess Diana's earrings, and a pearl necklace from Queen Elizabeth II's collection.
The rarely-seen gesture led to a brief outburst of online alarm about royal etiquette.
While it's somewhat uncommon for Kate to receive a kiss on the hand, the move was all above board, according to the royal family's official website.
The website states there are no strict codes of conduct when meeting members of the royal family, albeit some suggested traditional courtesies.
"For men, this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy," a statement reads.
"Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way."
The King also greeted Mrs Macron in the same way on Tuesday.
Wendy Bosberry-Scott, editor of British organisation Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, echoed the royal site and approved of the manner.
'The king has always greeted women of rank in this manner,' Ms Bosberry-Scott told the the New York Times.
'It is also perfectly acceptable, in France, for men to greet women this way.'
King Charles was all smiles with Mr Macron as the pair set out for Windsor Castle in 1902 State Landau.
The King led Mr Macron into the landau, and the pair were seen chuckling and chatting as they took their seats.
Queen Camilla and Mrs Macron followed the men in the Semi-State Landau, Buckingham Palace announced.
The four of them rode through through streets adorned with Union Jacks and French flags.
The King later joked with the Macrons during an exhibition of art from the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle.
After a tour of Westminster Abbey, the President and First Lady were treated to a lavish state banquet in their honour, where the royals and their guests donned formal and ceremonial attire and gave speeches.
In his speech, the King stressed the crucial partnership between France and the UK in the face of a "multitude of complex threats."
"As friends and as allies, we face them together," Charles declared.
"These challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time."
"Instead, the answer lies in partnership, and we – France and Britain – must help to lead the way.
"Our two nations share not only values but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world.
Mr Macron sat next to Charles at the banquet, and the pair enjoyed a meal of 'summer vegetables and Welsh chicken" and a special cocktail called 'l'entente,' the BBC reported.
According to the publication, Charles spoke in both English and French before guests including Mick Jagger, Kristin Scott Thomas and Elton John.
Mr Macron later took to X to say his visit to the UK was "an important moment for our two nations."
In his wide-ranging statement, the president promised "effective" action on issues which included the illegal migrants Channel crisis.
"The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend. Our bond is longstanding, forged by history and strengthened by trust," the President said.
"Together, we will address the major challenges of our time: security, defence, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture.
"These are all areas in which we seek to act together and deepen our cooperation in a concrete, effective and lasting way."
Mr and Mrs Macron's three-day state visit will culminate in a summit with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday.
Mr Macron and Mr Starmer are expected to discuss how to stop migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats and advance plans for a post-ceasefire security force for Ukraine.
