Apparently, Emmanuel Macron Made a ‘Cheeky Remark’ About William to Charles at His Own Expense
King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron for their first state visit to the U.K. since Brexit. After being received by Prince William and Kate Middleton at RAF Northolt, the Macrons were driven from West London to Windsor Castle to meet the King and Queen. While speaking with the King, Macron reportedly made a jolly remark about William’s height. Lip reader Nicola Hickling revealed that in the bargain, he also cracked a self-deprecating joke about his own height.
The Presidential couple was welcomed by the King and Queen, with Macron graciously kissing Camilla's hand, followed by Charles kissing Brigitte's. Hickling claimed to The Sun that when chatting with the monarch, Macron reportedly quipped, "He [William] is incredibly tall." To which Charles replied, "He is very tall. He’s six feet one, he is, ever so." After his father incorrectly guessed his height, the Prince of Wales chimed in, "Actually, I’m six feet three." Macron cheekily replied, "Unlike us, we’re short." While Macron stands at only 5'7, Charles stands at a handsome 5'10, the same as the Princess of Wales.
While Macron was in a jaunty mood, his wife sang Middleton's praises after her battle with cancer. After Macron and Brigette got off the plane, he proceeded to kiss Middleton's hand. Meanwhile, Brigette greeted the Princess with a customary French double-cheek air kiss. As per the Daily Express, their sweet exchanges were noted by lip reader Jeremy Freeman, who claimed that Macron said, "Thank you, thank you very much, thank you… It’s good to see you." Brigette then complimented Middleton, saying, "Oh, so good to see you, you look great."
After Macron finished chatting with Charles and Camilla, they travelled together through Windsor Castle in the 1902 State Landau. A ceremonial welcome was followed by an Inspection of the Guard of Honor. At the special evening state banquet, Macron sat between Charles and Middleton, raising a glass while sneaking in a friendly wink to the Princess, stirring global headlines. Macron's ceremonial toast celebrated unity on pressing global issues, including migration, security, and climate. The pompous banquet also renewed the U.K.'s diplomatic warmth post-Brexit and showcased both nations’ commitment to European stability.
President Macron is the first European leader to attend a state visit to the U.K. since King Charles was crowned. After a midday state lunch, Charles, Camilla, and Macron viewed a specially curated display of French-themed treasures, which highlighted objects with deep historical and cultural Franco‑British ties. As per Tyla, at the banquet dinner, King Charles praised the 'truly modern partnership' between the U.K. and France, saying, "As we dine here in this ancient place, redolent with our shared history, allow me to propose a toast to France and our new Entente. An Entente not only past and present, but for the future – and no longer just cordiale, but now amicale." He also referenced his own historical ties with France, describing how the Castle was begun by his ancestor William, Duke of Normandy, back in 1070.