Emmanuel Macron’s greeting to Kate Middleton questioned for possible protocol break

French President Emmanuel Macron raised eyebrows with the way he greeted Kate Middleton at the start of his state visit, but those concerned about protocols needn’t worry.

The Princess of Wales was making a rare appearance for the state visit following her “rollercoaster” cancer battle, and as a feud between her husband, Prince William, and his brother, Prince Harry, continues to rage, with William said to “never” want to give him and Meghan Markle a chance again, and Harry’s own “resentment” growing. 

Of course, while many were delighted to see the Princess in her rare appearance, others were left astounded when she greeted the French President and his wife, Brigitte.

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The moment that took others by surprise was when Macron, 47, greeted Middleton, 43, with a kiss on the hand.

The move is a rare gesture for the princess, which led many to question if it broke royal protocols.

However, according to the royal family’s official website, the gesture, while old-fashioned, did not break any formal rules, as there are no strict codes of conduct for greeting royals, with only a suggestion of traditional courtesies.

“For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy,” the site says. “Other people prefer to simply shake hands in the usual way.”

Macron’s gesture, while traditional, is still uncommon in modern royal engagements, and it has been largely replaced by handshakes or cheek kisses in European courts.

However, despite it being less common these days, it is not fully unheard of, as King Charles has used the affectionate gesture as well.

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He actually used the gesture in 2024, as he greeted Macron’s wife.

He was spotted kissing Brigitte’s hand as they said goodbye in June of that year, following a service in Normandy, France, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.

He repeated the gesture again as he and Queen Camilla welcomed the French President and First Lady at Windsor before the ceremonial welcome.

The French couple will be staying at Windsor during their three-day state visit, which concludes on July 10.