Emmanuel Macron has just started his first state visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday. A visit, which aims to strengthen the links between France and its British neighbor, just under two years after the arrival of King Carlos III in France. And a visit, as should, surrounded by a very precise protocol.
But if many real or supposed prohibitions and so many potential false passes surrounded the person of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles and Queen Camilla seem more inclined to ignore this protocol.
This was evidenced by this Tuesday, natural and friendly exchanges despite a protocol established in the millimeter, between King Charles and President Macron, which have already been seen several times in recent years and have a warm relationship.
Improper kiss
The two men shook his hand, and Emmanuel Macron, during this handshake, seized the elbow of his interlocutor who did not seem offended. Much tactile than his mother, King Charles does not hesitate to hug the hands that extend towards him, or they even let themselves kiss during the crowds, which seems to love from the beginning of his reign in September 2022.
Next to them, their wives, Brigitte, dressed in a white dress and the queen stretched with a bright green attire and a matching hat, seemed very comfortable. They made a little kiss in protocol, which seems to have become a habit for the two women. It should be said that they know each other well.
“There is no code of mandatory behavior”
Camilla and Brigitte played a “matchable table tennis” party during the state visit of King Charles in France in September 2023. And the two women, that the same love for literature also brought the prize for the literary agreement that held the cordial agreement between France and the United Kingdom in December 2024.
However, it is not forbidden to touch the monarch. At least nothing stipulates it on the official website of the British monarchy. “The King and Queen know thousands of people every year in the United Kingdom and abroad. Before meeting their majesties, many ask how they should behave. The answer is simple: there is no code of mandatory behavior, it only shows courtesy.”
If you really insist on respecting traditional forms of greeting, you can bow your head towards men and make some reverence for women, or simply shake hands, specify the site.
“Do not touch”
“On this issue of not touching the queen, who has always surprised me, when I had the opportunity to accompany Queen Elizabeth II, it was quite small, quite small,” explained the former head of the French Republic protocol, Laurent Stefanini, with reasons for the visit of Charles III to France, in September 2023.
“Excellent often on official trips, there is a crowd, everyone wants to approach the queen, which wanted not to be suffocated. It is not so much a matter of protocol as a matter of convenience,” he said.
However, when in 2004, Jacques Chirac had touched on the back of the queen of the hand, the Daily Mail had made him an article entitled “Hands outside!” (do not touch).
And in 2017, the governor of Canada had to justify having violated the protocol And he hit the queen’s elbow, who was afraid to see a slippery carpet fall.
These times seem, however, widely finished.
Source: BFM TV
