Emmanuel Macron just reminded everyone that French diplomacy comes with a distinctive flair, and the internet can't decide whether to swoon or scrutinize. The 47-year-old French president greeted Kate Middleton with a gallant hand kiss during his state visit kickoff, creating a moment that has royal watchers debating protocol while social media celebrates old-world charm.
The Princess of Wales, 43, received this rare gesture alongside Prince Williamas they welcomed President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at RAF Northolt. Kate looked absolutely stunning in Dior while wearing Princess Diana's earrings, creating a moment that royal fans described as "elegance personified." The TikTok footage capturing this diplomatic exchange quickly went viral, with viewers praising Kate as "our beautiful Princess" while others noted Macron appeared "mesmerized" by her grace.
While hand-kissing might seem like a relic from bygone eras, this diplomatic greeting actually reflects perfectly acceptable royal interaction. Social media comments ranged from heart-eyed emojis to declarations of "Kate forever," with Instagram followers calling her "the fairest of them all" and "the most perfect English Rose in Dior."
Photo by GONZALO FUENTES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
According to the royal family's official guidelines, there are no strict codes for meeting royals—only suggested traditional courtesies including neck bows, small curtsies, or simple handshakes. Macron's gesture falls comfortably within these flexible parameters, proving that diplomatic charm doesn't require protocol violation.
What makes this moment particularly delightful is its rarity in modern royal encounters. Kate seldom receives hand kisses, especially in public settings, making Macron's gesture feel both special and distinctly French. The president's approach echoes traditional European courtesies that have largely been replaced by more casual greetings.
Photo by DOMINIQUE JACOVIDES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
King Charles himself has embraced similar diplomatic gestures, notably greeting Brigitte Macron with hand kisses during both the D-Day commemoration in June 2024 and the current Windsor Castle welcome. This presidential precedent demonstrates how respectful cultural expressions enhance rather than threaten royal protocol.
The three-day state visit represents significant diplomatic collaboration, with Windsor Castle serving as headquarters due to Buckingham Palace's ongoing refurbishment program. This venue change adds intimate grandeur to proceedings that include state dining room lunches, Royal Collection displays, and evening banquets potentially featuring those coveted tiaras.
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Online reactions showcase the delightful divide between protocol purists and charm appreciators. The official @theroyalfamily Instagram post, featuring both English and French captions, generated overwhelming praise for Kate's "stunning" appearance and her role as "such a credit to our country."
@dailymailroyalsThe Princess of Wales was elegance personified as she welcomed President Emmanuel Macron — who greeted her with a hand kiss — at RAF Northolt today. Dressed in Dior and wearing Princess Diana’s earrings, Kate joined Prince William in greeting the French leader at the start of his state visit to the UK. Read more on dailymail.co.uk #royalfamily #royaltok #princesskate#franceprincewilliam #royalnews
♬ original sound - Daily Mail Royals - Daily Mail RoyalsTikTok users were equally smitten, with many commenting that Kate "shines brightly as always with her wonderful heart like a sun." While some debate propriety, the majority celebrate the refreshing authenticity of cross-cultural diplomatic gestures that honor both French tradition and British hospitality.
Related: King Charles III's Reaction to Prince Louis Breaking Royal Protocol Is Breaking the Internet!
This moment perfectly captures how modern diplomacy balances respect for tradition with contemporary relationship-building. Macron's gesture represents the kind of thoughtful cultural exchange that strengthens international bonds while providing internet users with genuinely heartwarming content.
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