
The Most Memorable Moments from the Windsor Castle State Banquet – 40+ Photos
From moving tributes to late royals and the Macrons' icy arrival to the unexpected moments of affection that followed, these photos capture the striking moments from the Windsor Castle State Banquet.
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron spent three days on a state visit to the UK, with a state banquet held in their honor at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025. Here are the highlights from before, during, and after the banquet, captured in over 40 memorable photos.

First Lady Brigitte Macron and President of France Emmanuel Macron at their banquet at the Guildhall on July 9, 2025, in central London on day two of the French President's state visit to the UK. | Source: Getty Images
1 – Brigitte Macron's Frosty Arrival
Brigitte appeared frosty toward President Emmanuel Macron as they landed in the UK ahead of the Windsor Castle State Banquet.

President Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron from a video dated July 9, 2025. | Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia
According to a body language expert, when Emmanuel, 47, offered his hand to help her down the plane stairs, Brigitte, 72, appeared to ignore him and held the handrail instead.

President Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron from a video dated July 9, 2025. | Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia
This left the French president to drop his hand awkwardly. Minutes later, the atmosphere remained tense as the couple sat in their car waiting to leave the base, with Brigitte looking at her phone after retrieving it from her bag.

Brigitte Macron and Catherine, Princess of Wales, following the French First Lady's arrival at RAF Northolt on July 8, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

A screenshot of William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcoming Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron upon their arrival at RAF Northolt on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcoming Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron upon their arrival at RAF Northolt on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
The moment quickly sparked reactions online. One netizen commented, "At least she didn't slap him right across his face this time." Another wrote, "Why don't they get a divorce and be done with it," while a third observed, "It was a rejection cause she would have touched his hand at least."

William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcoming Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron upon their arrival at RAF Northolt on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron leaving RAF Northolt on July 8, 2025, on the first day of a three-day state visit to Britain. | Source: Getty Images
2 – King Charles' Bloodshot Eye
As King Charles III welcomed President Emmanuel and Brigitte to Windsor on July 8, some noticed a bloodshot appearance in his right eye.

King Charles III during the formal welcome for French President Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron on day one of their state visit to the United Kingdom on July 8, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

King Charles III during the formal welcome for Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron on day one of their state visit to the United Kingdom on July 8, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
Later, the King, dressed in formal evening attire with a red sash and military medals, attended the ceremonial State Banquet for the French State Visit, and images captured the redness in his right eye.

King Charles III arriving for the State Banquet for Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

King Charles III raising his wine glass for a toast during the State Banquet for Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles III during the State Banquet on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
3 – Kate Middleton's Stunning Tribute to Princess Diana
Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a striking entrance at the Windsor Castle State Banquet in a floor-length red gown featuring a graceful cape design.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Her choice of accessories also carried deep royal significance, as she wore the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara once beloved by Princess Diana.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Dianna, Princess of Wales, circa 1989. | Source: Getty Images
Adding to the regal look, the Princess of Wales paired the tiara with the Greville Chandelier Earrings, a piece from the late Queen Elizabeth II's collection.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Emmanuel Macron, and King Charles III during the State Banquet for the president of France and his wife at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Emmanuel Macron during the State Banquet for the president of France and his wife at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
4 – Mick Jagger Arrived with His Fiancée
Mick Jagger, 80, brought a dose of rock star energy to the Windsor Castle State Banquet, arriving with his much-younger fiancée, Melanie Hamrick, 37.

Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
He looked sharp in a classic black tuxedo with a crisp white dress shirt and bow tie, adding his signature flair with a jeweled brooch pinned to his lapel.

Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Mick Jagger at the State Banquet on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Melanie turned heads in a dazzling bronze and gold sequin gown, topped with a matching cropped cape that caught the light with every move.

Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick at the State Banquet on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick at the State Banquet on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
She finished the glamorous look with an elegant updo, soft fringe framing her face, a delicate diamond necklace, and a clutch purse.

Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick at the State Banquet on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
5 – Queen Camilla Shone in Sapphires
Queen Camilla turned heads at the Windsor Castle State Banquet, choosing the late Queen Elizabeth II's favorite Belgian Sapphire Tiara for the evening. It was the same impressive tiara she wore at her first State Banquet as queen consort in 2022.

Queen Camilla at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Juan Manuel Santos and Queen Elizabeth II at a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 1, 2016, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
She paired the sparkling headpiece with a sapphire necklace, earrings, and bracelet from Queen Elizabeth II's collection. Her ivory silk crepe gown by Fiona Clare featured delicate embroidery, adding texture to her polished look.

Queen Camilla and King Charles III at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
The Queen completed her ensemble with the Royal Order of King Charles, the Royal Order of Charles III, a Garter Star, and the French Légion d'honneur sash, each piece adding another layer of royal significance to her appearance.

Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Queen Camilla and King Charles III with Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
6 – Elton John's Attendance Despite Health Struggles
Despite announcing in November 2024 that he had lost sight in his right eye due to an infection caught in the south of France, Elton John attended the Windsor Castle State Banquet with his husband, David Furnish.

Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, from a post dated July 9, 2025. | Source: Instagram/ eltonjohn

Elton John and David Furnish at the State Banquet for President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Elton wore his signature black-rimmed glasses along with a black tuxedo and white bow tie, adorned with several medals pinned to his lapel.

Elton John and David Furnish at the State Banquet for President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John and David Furnish at the State Banquet on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John and David Furnish at the State Banquet on July 8, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
7 – President Emmanuel Macron's Hand Kiss for the Princess of Wales
President Emmanuel Macron added a distinctly French flourish to his arrival by greeting Catherine, Princess of Wales, with a kiss on the hand. While such gestures are rare for the Duchess, the kiss did not breach royal protocol.

President Emmanuel Macron greeting Catherine, Princess of Wales, by kissing her hand at RAF Northolt on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

President Emmanuel Macron kissing Queen Camilla's hand on July 8, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
The royal family has no strict rules for greetings, only suggested traditional courtesies. In fact, the president's warm hand kiss mirrored King Charles' greeting for Brigitte, bringing a personal and charming touch to the diplomatic welcome.

King Charles III kissing Brigitte Macron's hand at Datchet Road on July 8, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
8 – President Emmanuel's Cheeky Wink for the Princess of Wales
During the Windsor Castle State Banquet, the French President was seen sharing a playful moment with the Princess of Wales.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, President Emmanuel Macron, and King Charles III during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
As they sat side by side among music legends and dignitaries, Emmanuel gave the Duchess a cheeky wink as they clinked glasses, adding a lighthearted and unmistakably French touch to the formal evening.

President Emmanuel Macron winking at Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales and President Emmanuel Macron clinking glasses during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
9 – Farewell Kisses at Windsor
As the Windsor Castle State Banquet came to a close, King Charles and Queen Camilla bid farewell to President Emmanuel and Brigitte with warm embraces and kisses.
King Charles, dressed in a light gray suit, shared a kiss on the cheek with Brigitte, who wore a tailored dove gray coat with layered blonde hair styled in a voluminous blowout.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla formally bid farewell to President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron as they left Windsor Castle on July 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Emmanuel exchanged kisses with Queen Camilla, who wore a patterned dress with her signature bouncy bob. The affectionate goodbyes underscored the personal warmth of the visit.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla formally bid farewell to President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron as they left Windsor Castle on July 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
10 – Emmanuel Walked Ahead of King Charles
During his three-day UK State Visit, President Emmanuel faced criticism for breaching royal protocol and walking in front of King Charles during a ceremonial inspection at Windsor Castle.

King Charles III and President Emmanuel Macron during a ceremonial inspection at Windsor Castle from a post dated July 8, 2025. | Source: YouTube/Sky News
As he moved alongside the Grenadier Guard, he stepped ahead of His Majesty, a move that drew backlash for appearing to disregard traditional protocol.

King Charles III and President Emmanuel Macron during a ceremonial inspection at Windsor Castle from a post dated July 8, 2025. | Source: YouTube/Sky News
In the end, the Windsor Castle State Banquet offered a rare glimpse into royal traditions, diplomatic gestures, and unforgettable fashion moments, leaving no doubt that this was an evening to remember.