Photos of Macron’s U.K. State Visit, From a Carriage Ride to a Polite Kiss

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, commenced a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, marked by ceremonial elegance, political symbolism, and moments of personal charm. The grand diplomatic event that was to follow began with their arrival at RAF Northolt. Greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Macron's gallant gesture of gently air-kissing Princess Kate's hand drew both admiration and curiosity, as such gestures are rarely seen in royal protocol but not expressly prohibited.

From the tarmac to Windsor Castle, the state visit unfolded with refined pageantry. The Macrons and British royals proceeded in motorcades before transferring into historic open carriages. Macron rode alongside King Charles III in the 1902 State Landau, while Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron shared the Semi-State Landau. Photographs of the procession through Windsor’s historic streets—lined with Union Jacks and the French Tricolore, alongside saluting guards and excited crowds—captured the warmth of the cross-Channel alliance.

Upon arrival at Windsor Castle, a full ceremonial welcome awaited. Macron and Charles reviewed a guard of honour composed of the Grenadier Guards, the Household Cavalry, and other regiments in full regalia. The Massed Band performed traditional British and French music, including “La Marseillaise” and “God Save the King,” while a 41-gun salute echoed across the grounds. The spectacle of two nations renewing historical ties in a context that was clearly modern was full of symbolism. Macron’s rapport with King Charles was evident throughout. The two seemed at ease in one another's company as they laughed and shared light moments. Brigitte Macron and Queen Camilla were equally poised, exchanging greetings with affection and grace. Among the visit’s most commented-on moments was Queen Camilla offering the French-style “bise” to Brigitte, reinforcing cultural harmony.

Fashion played an understated diplomatic role. Princess Kate wore a soft white Dior coat dress, subtly nodding to French haute couture. Her accessories—pearls once worn by Princess Diana and a necklace from Queen Elizabeth II—signaled a bridge between heritage and continuity. The event's message of tradition reimagined through contemporary relevance was reflected in the attire chosen. This visit, the first by a French president since 2008 and the first hosted at Windsor Castle due to renovations at Buckingham Palace, is loaded with historical weight. The shift in venue brought unique resonance, as Windsor Castle, a centuries-old royal residence, stood as a physical symbol of enduring monarchy and evolving European relations.

Gifts exchanged during the visit underscored mutual respect and friendship. Macron, who had previously gifted a horse from the Republican Guard to Queen Elizabeth II, received warm thanks for ongoing gestures of goodwill. Behind the optics of ceremony lie critical policy discussions, particularly around migration and post-Brexit cooperation, which will continue over the course of the visit.

The second evening featured a state banquet held in St. George’s Hall, where King Charles paid tribute to the “Entente Cordiale,” now reimagined as the “Entente Amicale,” signalling a warmer, more fraternal bond. The event hosted dignitaries from both countries, artists, scholars, and business leaders. Guests dined on a menu curated to showcase Franco-British culinary tradition, including English lamb, French wine, and desserts blending both cultures.

Macron will meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, address the British Parliament, and lay a wreath at Westminster Abbey in the coming days. These formalities are expected to lead to new agreements, notably around security and immigration—issues of deep importance to both nations.

Photographs from the visit reflect more than ceremony. They reveal a shared commitment to diplomatic grace, to tradition as a vessel for modern messages, and to the quiet power of statecraft conducted with poise. From carriage rides to hand-kisses, from Dior tailoring to royal salutes, Macron’s state visit to the U.K. stands as a vivid tableau of international friendship, framed in history and projected into the future.