Lip readers have offered their insights into a recent public interaction between members of the British Royal Family and French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, ahead of a grand State Banquet at Windsor Castle.
Footage of the Macrons arriving in the UK—stepping off their presidential plane—has circulated widely on social media. The couple was met by King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with Prince William and Princess Kate, who all exchanged traditional French-style double-cheek kisses and polite conversation.
What Kate and Brigitte Macron Allegedly Said
As the group greeted each other on the tarmac at RAF Northolt, surrounded by security and a ceremonial Guard of Honour, lip reader Jeremy Freeman shared his take on a brief interaction between Kate and Brigitte Macron.
According to Freeman, Brigitte said, “Thank you, thank you very much, thank you… it’s good to see you.” Kate reportedly replied, “Oh, so good to see you, you look great,” as told to The Express.
Social Media Reacts to ‘Confusing’ Exchange
Despite the cordial nature of the exchange, social media users had their own interpretation. A still image of Brigitte squinting at Kate as she stood backlit by the sun prompted comments mocking the Princess of Wales.
“Brigitte Macron looks so confused listening to Kate mumbling her word salad,” one viewer posted. Another joked, “She whispered… ‘I’m a dude.’” Others criticized Kate’s delivery, suggesting she mumbled or appeared stiff. One user commented, “There goes the boney hand and the mumbling. Brigitte looks confused like the rest of us.”
Observers also noted Brigitte Macron’s aloof body language—especially as she brushed off President Macron’s offer to help her down the plane steps, opting to use the railing instead. This moment followed an earlier viral clip where she was seen pushing him in the face, sparking renewed speculation about tensions in their relationship.
What Was Said Between Charles, William, and Macron
Lip reader Nicola Hickling shared another moment of interest involving President Macron, King Charles, and Prince William, as reported by The Sun. According to Hickling, Macron remarked to Charles, “He is incredibly tall,” referring to William. Charles responded, “He is very tall. He’s six foot one, he is, ever so.”
However, William quickly corrected his father: “Actually, I’m six feet three inches.” Macron reportedly laughed, replying, “Unlike us, we’re short.”
A Toast to Friendship at Windsor Castle
That evening, the Royal Family hosted the French delegation at a lavish State Banquet held at Windsor Castle, a historic fortress overlooking the River Thames about 25 miles from London.
In his formal remarks, King Charles expressed appreciation for the Macrons and reflected on their shared history. “I recall with such fond memories our visit to France in 2023, when you so graciously hosted us, Monsieur le Président,” the monarch said.
He acknowledged the many developments since that visit but emphasized the enduring alliance between the two nations, saying they “stood ever closer.”
History, Symbolism, and a Subtle Snub
Charles pointed out that Windsor Castle itself was built by “my ancestor – and your sometime countryman – William, Duke of Normandy, in the year 1070.”
Referring to William the Conqueror, who led the Norman invasion of England, Charles remarked that the relationship between England and France at the time was “neither – at least initially – an ‘entente,’ nor especially ‘cordiale.’”
Still, he called it the beginning of “a thousand years of shared history and culture… which has enriched our two societies beyond measure.”
In a moment that drew attention, Charles used this reference to publicly praise Prince William, saying it was fitting that he now lives in the castle associated with their shared ancestry. Notably, there was no mention of his younger son, Prince Harry—a detail many interpreted as a subtle yet pointed omission, highlighting the ongoing rift within the Royal Family.