Princess of Wales responds with poise as French President’s gesture raises eyebrows amid her return to public duties
Catherine and Prince William extended a warm welcome to French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, as they arrived in the UK for a state visit—an encounter that sparked conversation over a slightly awkward moment.
The welcome began at RAF Northolt, where Macron offered his hand to Brigitte as she descended the aircraft stairs. She declined, prompting curiosity about their public dynamic. Body language expert Judi James remarked, “The suggestion here was a big fat ‘Non’,” referencing the subtle but pointed refusal.
Macron then greeted Catherine with a gallant air kiss toward her hand—a gesture James described as “quaintly antique.” While such formalities can feel out of step with modern sensibilities, the Princess of Wales handled it with her usual composure, smiling in response and maintaining diplomatic grace.
“This is a difficult ritual for the modern woman to respond to,” James explained. “It tends to prompt an embarrassed giggling in these more feminist times.”
The moment unfolded shortly after Catherine spoke publicly about her ongoing cancer recovery, which she described as a “rollercoaster.” Despite facing significant health challenges, the Princess showcased her commitment to duty, wearing a classic Christian Dior jacket and timeless accessories from the royal collection.
Her calm, thoughtful response to an outdated gesture served as another reminder of her quiet strength and unwavering poise, even during moments of unexpected formality on the world stage.
