'No Class': French President Emmanuel Macron's Behavior Toward King Charles During State Visit Sparks Online Stir

Online reactions split after the French President’s visit to the United Kingdom, with some criticizing his behavior as disrespectful while others argued that people are exaggerating the situation.

Emmanuel Macron was welcomed to inspect members of the armed forces on July 8, 2025, at Windsor Castle in England. While the ceremony unfolded, the President appeared to step ahead of King Charles III, which many saw as a break in royal protocol.

"President Trump was heavily criticized for walking in front of the Queen... Now Macron is walking in front of the King," reported Great Britain News.

Netizens reacted to the moment with mixed views. One remarked, "No respect. No class." Another added, "And conversing with the King's Guard, as though the King was not even there! Unbelievable."

Others chimed in with stronger reactions."You do not walk in front of the monarch! This is not hard stuff people!" wrote one person. Another claimed, "Politicians like Macron only break royal protocol on purpose. Being rude to your hosts isn't nice whether they're royal or not."

One comment read, "Every time I see Macron I suffer from second hand embarrassment. Shouldn't he know he is not supposed to walk in front of the King? Dude truly thinks he's Napoleon😂." Some were more solemn, with one stating, "Just how much disrespect is our king going to be subjected to." Another remarked, "That was odd. Macron ignored Charles!"

Yet not all agreed, as one individual pointed out, "But he was talking to the officer which the King seemed quite happy for him to do. Stop making something out of nothing." Another also defended the scene, writing, "King Charles is relaxed and doesn't care about who walks in front of him❤️."

Amid the divided opinions, a royal correspondent offered clarity on the situation. "This is perhaps custom, that the King, as the host, gives way to the foreign head of state which is the honored guest at Windsor Castle."

This is not the first time a member of the French delegation has made headlines during a royal engagement. Back in June 2024, Brigitte Macron reportedly caused an awkward moment when she broke royal protocol by attempting to hold Queen Camilla's hand during the D-Day memorial in Normandy.

Most recently, the First Lady's husband found himself in the spotlight again after making a remark about the Queen's stepson, Prince William.

During a formal state visit to the United Kingdom on July 8, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron made a lighthearted comment about Prince William while speaking with King Charles III. The moment, unnoticed by many at the time, was revealed days later through lip-reading analysis.

Emmanuel and his wife, Brigitte Macron, were welcomed at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Northolt by William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, before joining King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor.

Upon arriving, the president and the British King exchanged a handshake and shared a brief laugh, while Brigitte greeted Camilla with the customary French "la bise," the double cheek air kiss.

The men then turned to the women, with Charles kissing Brigitte's hand and Emmanuel doing the same for the Queen, before engaging in a friendly conversation during which the French president frequently rested his hand on the King's arm.

Once William and Catherine joined the group again, Emmanuel briefly placed a hand on Charles's back and made a quiet observation while looking towards the Prince of Wales.

According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling, the French president said, "He is incredibly tall." The King, who once stood five foot ten, replied, "He is very tall. He's six foot one, he is, ever so."

A second later, William corrected them both with, "Actually, I'm six foot three." Emmanuel, standing at five foot seven, added with a grin, "Unlike us, we're short."

Following the exchange, the party stood in formation for the French national anthem, surrounded by household cavalry members.

Afterward, Emmanuel and Charles rode together through Windsor in the 1902 State Landau. Behind them, Queen Camilla and Brigitte followed in the Semi-State Landau.

Meanwhile, Prince William and Catherine rode in the Ascot Landau alongside French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Culture Minister Rachida Dati.

Additional French officials, including Ambassador Helene Duchene and General Fabien Mandon, traveled in two more Ascot Landau carriages.

The procession passed through Datchet Road, Thames Street, High Street, Park Street, Cambridge Gate, and George IV Gateway, concluding in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle. Security teams were visible along the entire route, inspecting public areas and checking locations.

At the castle, the royal hosts staged a ceremonial welcome and inspection of the Guard of Honor. This visit marked a diplomatic milestone as Emmanuel became the first European leader to make a state visit to England since King Charles III's coronation and the country's departure from the European Union.

However, this wasn't the only moment from the state visit that captured attention. As previously reported, when Emmanuel and Brigitte were greeted by William and Catherine at RAF Northolt, the French first lady complimented the Princess of Wales, according to a lip reader.

In video footage shared on YouTube, the French president is seen cheerfully clasping hands with William after exiting their private plane, before directing his attention to the Princess of Wales. He gently takes her hand and proceeds to give it an air kiss — a gesture met with smiles and polite conversation.

Meanwhile, Brigitte shared her own greetings with the Prince of Wales before moving on to the Princess. In a tender moment between the two women, Brigitte appeared to say something heartfelt — a detail now brought to light thanks to lip reader Jeremy Freeman.

According to him, Brigitte said, "Oh, so good to see you, you look great." Moments earlier, her husband had expressed similar kindness, telling the royals, "Thank you, thank you very much, thank you… it's good to see you."

Though seemingly simple, the exchange took on deeper meaning in light of Catherine's recent health journey. The 43-year-old princess, who first shared her cancer diagnosis in March of last year, recently opened up about her health, calling the whole ordeal "life-changing."

In January this year, Catherine visited The Royal Marsden Hospital, where she was treated, and confirmed she was in remission.

Months later, Brigitte's compliment to her resonates as more than just pleasantries — it acknowledged the strength and grace with which the princess has navigated such an ordeal.