Macron’s visit marked by ceremony and quiet symbolism

President Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK began with a formal welcome by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. During the banquet, the King gave a toast celebrating centuries of cultural exchange between Britain and France, referencing everyone from Claude Monet and Jane Birkin to footballer Thierry Henry.

The monarch also made a personal connection, reminding guests that Windsor Castle was originally founded by William the Conqueror—an ancestor and namesake of Prince William. “It is perhaps rather appropriate,” the King said, “that my son, the Prince of Wales… has made Windsor his home with his family, like so many of our predecessors.”

However, the evening didn’t pass without some social media speculation. A short video shared online showed William briefly seated while others around him stood to applaud. The moment—seemingly minor—sparked comments on platforms like Reddit, with some questioning whether the heir to the throne was making a quiet statement or simply caught mid-movement.

Still, the overall tone of the evening remained diplomatic and warm, as Macron’s visit continues through July 10, with a meeting scheduled with Prime Minister Keir Starmer focused on cross-Channel migration.

Whether or not William’s attire was meant to signal a new approach to royal protocol, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the future king is willing to walk his own line—albeit with polished shoes.