Prince William and Princess Kate captured attention during a warm and elegant welcome for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, upon their arrival at RAF Northolt near London. The royal couple had the distinguished honor of greeting the French First Couple at the start of Macron’s official state visit to the UK.
A Charming and Rare Gesture from President Macron
The highlight of the arrival was an unexpectedly charming moment when President Macron greeted Princess Kate with a kiss on the hand — a gesture that delighted onlookers and royal watchers alike. While hand-kissing is a traditional sign of respect and admiration, it has become rare in modern royal protocol, especially in public engagements.
According to the royal family’s official website, there are no strict rules on how to greet members of the royal family, only customary courtesies. For men, a neck bow from the head is suggested, while women traditionally curtsy. However, most meetings today are marked by handshakes or cheek kisses.
Macron’s hand kiss echoed a similar gesture recently made by King Charles III himself, who was seen greeting Brigitte Macron with the same personal touch during a D-Day commemorative service in Normandy in June 2024.
Princess Kate’s Elegant Tribute to French Fashion and Royal Heritage
Princess Kate looked stunning in a pink Christian Dior ensemble, wearing the blush 30 Montaigne Bar Jacket from the French fashion house’s 2024 collection — a subtle but powerful nod to France’s cultural legacy. She completed the look with a chic Jess Collett hat.
Adding a layer of royal heritage to her outfit, Kate wore Princess Diana’s iconic pearl earrings alongside a pearl necklace from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, elevating her already radiant appearance.
