French President Emmanuel Macron experienced another global embarrassment during his arrival in the United Kingdom for a three-day state visit, as his wife Brigitte appeared to ignore his offer of assistance while climbing down from the stairs of their aircraft at RAF Northolt in West London.
The French President, who disembarked first, stretched out his hand to assist his wife, who was at the top of the stairs.
However, Mrs Macron appeared to pretend not to see her husband’s hand thrust in her direction.
Instead, she chose to grip the handrail, leaving the President to awkwardly lower his outstretched hand.
Macron, a master at disguising such awkward moments, carried on as if nothing had happened and greeted the Princess of Wales with an air kiss.
The French president and his wife were formally welcomed by Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate on behalf of King Charles III.
The greeting took place about 11:30 a.m. before the guests and their hosts proceeded to Windsor for an official meeting with the King and Queen Camilla.
Once inside their car, Mrs Macron focused her attention on her bag from which she removed her phone.
She then proceeded to scroll through it, while her husband sat beside her in silence.
The incident is reminiscent of another one in May in Vietnam, where Brigitte appeared to have slapped or pushed away the face of her husband.
The embarrassing moment was meant to happen behind the shut aircraft door, but a crew member opened the door just in time for waiting officials and journalists to capture the scene.
President Macron later made light of the incident, calling it a playful act.
At Windsor, the Princess of Wales welcomed the French first couple dressed in a Dior jacket from the 2024 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri, along with Princess Diana’s earrings and a pearl necklace from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection.
The King’s Colour Squadron laid out a ceremonial welcome as the Macrons were introduced to various dignitaries, including Ambassador Helene Duchene, Lord-Lieutenant Sir Kenneth Olisa, and Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed the Macrons at a royal dais constructed on Datchet Road, with gun salutes heard in the background.
The King, who appeared to have a minor burst blood vessel in one eye, kissed Mrs Macron’s hand, while Queen Camilla received a similar gesture from President Macron.
Mrs Macron and Queen Camilla, who have developed a warm relationship over several meetings, exchanged double-cheek air kisses.
The Queen was dressed in an emerald green chiffon gown by Anna Valentine with a Philip Treacy hat, and wore an emerald and diamond brooch from the late Queen’s collection.
As the gathering unfolded, Camilla was seen mimicking a horse-riding gesture, drawing laughter from Mrs Macron.
Princess Kate offered deep curtsies to both King Charles and Queen Camilla, adding a cheek kiss for the latter.
William later guided President Macron’s attention to Windsor Castle’s turret in the distance—the site of the upcoming lunch and formal state banquet.
As the formalities concluded, William was seen kissing Queen Camilla on the cheek before the royal and French parties parted ways for their next engagements.
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