King Charles III reportedly couldn’t suppress a chuckle when French President Emmanuel Macron broke royal protocol early in his three-day state visit to the UK. Accompanied by his wife Brigitte, Macron was warmly welcomed at RAF Northolt by Prince William and Kate Middleton before engaging in a series of high-profile meetings and events.
During the visit, Macron met King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor, addressed Parliament, and held talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He also attended the King’s state banquet, which featured notable guests like Sir Elton John and Sir Mick Jagger.
The moment that caught the King’s amusement occurred when President Macron, known for his warm and informal style, “chummily patted” a captain of the Grenadier Guards on the back—a breach of the strict royal protocol. The Grenadier Guards are trained to respond firmly to any unsolicited contact with a stern “Hands off the King’s guard!” However, the captain discreetly held back his reaction when he realized it was the French President, which reportedly made King Charles smile.
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The Grenadier Guards are among the British Army’s most prestigious infantry regiments, serving both ceremonial duties protecting the Royal Palaces and active operational roles. They are part of the Household Division Foot Guards, famous for their distinctive scarlet tunics and bearskin hats, and stand alongside the Coldstream, Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards.
At a ceremonial event on the first day of Macron’s visit, King Charles delivered a speech in French, expressing a desire to celebrate the enduring friendship between Britain and France. He highlighted how the unique qualities of each nation are intertwined in their shared history and mutual admiration.
In response, President Macron conveyed France’s deep affection for the late Queen Elizabeth II and emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries. He proclaimed with enthusiasm: “In honour of the United Kingdom, of this entente amico that unites our two fraternal peoples in an unwavering alliance. Long live the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland! Long live France!”
The state banquet was also notable for being Kate Middleton’s first in nearly two years, her last appearance taking place at a 2023 dinner for the President of South Korea.