Expert Decodes Emmanuel Macron’s ‘Flirty Wink’ to Kate Middleton and Brigitte’s ‘Hidden Emotions’

(L) Emmanuel Macron winks at Kate Middleton during a toast at the state banquet; (R) Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron attend the state banquet at Windsor Castle. Cover Image Source: (L&R) Getty Images| Chris Jackson

King Charles and Queen Camilla pulled out all the stops to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron on their first state visit to the U.K. since Brexit. The royal couple also hosted a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle, joined by Prince William and Kate Middleton. A viral moment from the dinner captured Macron cheekily winking at Middleton while raising a toast. Commenting on the same, body language expert Judi James remarked that Macron’s jaunty behavior with the Princess stood in stark contrast to Brigitte’s reserved demeanor.
President Emmanuel Macron winks at Kate Middleton during a toast at the State Banquet. Image Source: Getty Images| Chris Jackson
James spoke exclusively to the Mirror and picked up on the politician’s cheeky ‘wink’ as well as his wife’s ‘dampened smile.’ She noted that while Monsieur Macron appeared “effervescent as a glass of French champagne, his wife’s body language would compare better to a glass of flat and tepid lemon squash.” She also claimed that Brigitte’s body language stood out as far more ‘subdued’, with her ‘rigid’ smiles standing out in an otherwise ‘relaxed and joyful’ atmosphere. The banquet, attended by around 160 guests, marked Princess Kate’s return to a state banquet for the first time since November 2023.
Queen Camilla, King Charles, Emmanuel Macron, and Brigitte Macron attend the state banquet at Windsor Castle. Image Source: Instagram| @theroyalfamily
The body language expert also shared her thoughts on Macron’s cheeky wink to Middleton, stating, “Macron has been all charm and smiles, winking at Kate during the banquet dinner and bending to kiss her hand on arrival like a true gallant.” She further explained how the royal family reacted to the arrival of the President and First Lady in the U.K. Commenting on Charles, she dished, “Charles has rarely looked as chipper, chuckling and giggling in a state of fine good humour throughout the evening despite his cancer and despite suffering from one very bloodshot eye.” Regarding the Waleses, she added, “William and Kate were tactile, flirty, loving and positively glowing, with Kate’s gleaming smile signalling what look

ed like genuine delight, exuding gracious charm despite her ongoing recovery from illness.”

Perhaps one cannot mention Macron’s state visit without referencing the now-viral ‘snub’ by his wife upon their arrival. As captured in footage shared by the Daily Mail, Macron exited the plane ahead of Brigitte to greet the Prince and Princess of Wales. When he noticed her struggling to descend, he offered his hand, but she blatantly ignored his gesture and got down by herself. Regarding the video, James opined, “After ignoring her husband’s proffered hand as she stepped from the plane, she did place one hand into the crook of his arm as they walked together, but her facial expression looks tense and dour here. Her chin is lowered, and her top lip appears pulled down in a lip clamp rather than being relaxed.”

Macron and Brigitte bid adieu to the royal family on July 10, wrapping up a busy three-day state visit to the U.K. According to Reuters, highlights of their trip included a ceremonial reception at Windsor, a grand state banquet, Macron’s address to Parliament, and summit meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer focused on migration, defense, nuclear energy, and cultural exchange initiatives.