Caught on Camera: Brigitte Ignores Macron’s Hand in Cringe Plane Exit

French President Emmanuel Macron experienced an awkward public moment during his three-day state visit to Britain when his wife Brigitte appeared to ignore his outstretched hand while disembarking their plane. The incident, caught on camera, showed Mrs. Macron striding past her husband’s offered assistance, leaving him momentarily discomfited before he smoothly transitioned into greeting the waiting dignitaries. How does this uncomfortable exchange follow a previous public incident where Mrs. Macron was filmed pushing her husband’s face away?

Macron’s Awkward Moment Captured on Camera

French President Emmanuel Macron experienced a brief but noticeable moment of discomfort as he and his wife Brigitte arrived in Britain for their three-day state visit. As the couple disembarked their aircraft, Macron extended his hand to assist his wife, but she appeared to ignore the gesture completely, walking past him without acknowledgment.

This awkward moment was quickly captured by waiting photographers and has since circulated widely in media coverage of the visit. Mrs. Macron was later seen checking her phone in their car, with observers noting the couple’s interactions appeared somewhat frosty.

Brigitte Macron snubbed Emmanuel Macron’s hand as they exited the plane today

Why does he put up with it? Years of indoctrination and grooming from a young age might explain it. pic.twitter.com/KMSFh2hVi1

— Queen Natalie (@TheNorfolkLion) July 8, 2025

Royal Welcome Despite Personal Tension

Despite the personal tension, the Macrons received a full ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle featuring a Guard of Honour from the British Army’s Grenadier Guards and Scots Guards. Major Jake Sayers formally presented the guard to President Macron with the words: “Your excellency, the guard of honour of the Grenadier Guards and Scots Guards is present and ready for your inspection.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales greeted the Macrons upon their arrival, with traditional air kisses exchanged as diplomatic protocol dictates. This marks Kate’s second public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis and treatment earlier this year.

Emmanuel Macron’s wife rejects his help getting off plane weeks after being filmed shoving him in face https://t.co/OgbbyxUCQz pic.twitter.com/86QIZjY5JE

— New York Post (@nypost) July 8, 2025

Historic Visit Emphasizes Post-Brexit Alliance

This state visit carries significant diplomatic weight as the first hosted at Windsor Castle in over a decade and the first by an EU head of state since Brexit. Streets throughout Windsor were decorated with French and Union flags to celebrate the occasion, which included a carriage procession through Windsor with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

President Macron described the visit as “an important moment for our two nations,” while King Charles emphasized that “as friends and as allies, we face them global challenges together.” The visit includes a state banquet at Windsor Castle, a special exhibition of French-related items from the Royal Collection, and Macron’s address to parliamentarians as part of a broader UK-France Summit at Downing Street.

The timing is particularly significant as it comes a year after the UK and France celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated this visit represents part of his government’s efforts to reset relations between the UK and Europe, with cooperation promised on various global challenges, including security, climate change, and economic partnerships.

Sources:

• The Macrons are all smiles as they wave to crowds after putting awkward arrival behind them

• Humiliating moment Emmanuel Macron is ignored by wife Brigitte as he offers her a helping hand off the plane – before French president air kisses the Princess of Wales ahead of meeting King | Daily Mail Online