The French President and his wife Brigitte Macron were greeted by Prince William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, when they arrived for their three-day state visit, but many people questioned a certain aspect of the event
Kate wore the Lover’s Knot tiara and a gown by Sarah Burton for Givenchy(Image: Getty Images)
Royal enthusiasts are scratching their heads over the ‘odd’ setup during the official reception for French President Emmanuel Macron. Upon his arrival in the UK for a three-day state visit, Macron and First Lady Brigitte were welcomed by Prince William and Kate at RAF Northolt.
The Prince and Princess of Wales escorted the French dignitaries to Windsor, where they met with King Charles and Queen Camilla for a formal welcome ceremony at Windsor Castle. There, Charles and Macron reviewed the military Guard of Honour. As the royals observed the guards on horseback performing their ceremonial duties, the arrangement left many onlookers puzzled.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, Macron, and Brigitte stood elevated on a platform under a canopy, while Kate and William were positioned off to the side. A spectator highlighted the unusual staging on X (formerly known as Twitter), commenting: “Am I the only one who objects to this staging?
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“Who thought it was a good idea to place OUR Prince and Princess of Wales off stage like this? The optics are terrible.”
Royal family during French state visit welcome(Image: PA)
Others chimed in with similar sentiments, with one individual remarking: “It doesn’t look right,” and another concurring: “I agree.
“Very awkward. They could have been on the stage behind, even would have looked better.”
One Royal enthusiast compared the situation to a previous state visit, remarking: “It’s strange? ! On previous state visits (like the South Korean visit) they were all on the stage were they not?”
Despite the confusion, another Royal fan suggested that strict Royal protocol was at play in this scenario, reports the Mirror. They clarified on X that while the arrangement might seem odd, it was actually quite standard given the circumstances.
They explained: “In Royal protocol, the primary hosts and highest-ranking individuals usually take center stage during official events. In this instance, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, along with President Macron and his wife, are seated under the awning because they are the principal figures in the state visit-the monarch and head of state hosting their guest.
“Prince William and Catherine, as the Prince and Princess of Wales, hold significant but slightly junior roles compared to the King and Queen. Standing slightly to the side reflects their supportive role in the ceremony, respecting the precedence of the monarch and the visiting head of state. William and Catherine played primary roles in welcoming President Macron and his wife at the airport, working together in support of the main hosts.
“This arrangement follows strict royal protocol, emphasising hierarchy and the importance of roles during formal occasions. It’s perfectly normal.”
William and Kate earlier today at Windsor Castle (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The French state visit reached a dazzling crescendo with a star-studded Royal banquet last night, marking Princess Kate’s return to such grand events after a two-year hiatus. Adorned in the Lover’s Knot tiara and a striking red gown featuring a caped back by Sarah Burton for Givenchy, Kate graced the event alongside the King, Queen, her spouse Prince William, and approximately 160 other guests at Windsor Castle.
The white tie dinner shone as the glamorous pinnacle of the French state visit. In anticipation of the evening, William and Kate teased their regal ensembles on social media, sharing a snapshot with the caption: “Ready for what promises to be a wonderful State Banquet this evening in Windsor.”
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