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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

Her choice of accessories also carried deep royal significance, as she wore the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara once beloved by Princess Diana.

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.

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.

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.

Melanie turned heads in a dazzling bronze and gold sequin gown, topped with a matching cropped cape that caught the light with every move.

She finished the glamorous look with an elegant updo, soft fringe framing her face, a delicate diamond necklace, and a clutch purse.

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.

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.

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.

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 wore his signature black-rimmed glasses along with a black tuxedo and white bow tie, adorned with several medals pinned to his lapel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As he moved alongside the Grenadier Guard, he stepped ahead of His Majesty, a move that drew backlash for appearing to disregard traditional protocol.

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.