Emmanuel Macron & Wife Brigitte Have New Viral Airplane Moment During Royal Visit

Did Emmanuel Macron’s wife snub him in another awkward airplane moment? Not so fast. The French President and First Lady arrived in the UK for an official visit with the royal family on July 8, when Brigitte appeared to ignore her husband’s offer to help her down the stairs and onto the tarmac. Though some interpreted the moment as an intentional brushoff, others thought she simply didn’t see his extended hand. The pair did look to be in high spirits and traded warm smiles while greeting welcomers, including Prince William and Princess Kate. Watchers may have been paying close attention to the Macrons’ arrival considering their viral plane exchange from May when Brigitte was caught playfully pushing the president’s face as they landed in Vietnam for a tour of Southeast Asia. Amid global speculation at the time, however, the Élysée Palace said in a statement that the moment was simply a relaxing and private laugh between France’s first couple. Emmanuel also made headlines during his and Brigitte’s UK visit upon kissing Princess Kate’s hand, which reportedly did not break royal protocol despite gossip to the contrary. He and Brigitte demonstrated similar enthusiasm later in the day when meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla, the latter of whom was seen sharing a good-natured laugh with Brigitte. The group had reason to be gregarious – the gathering marked France’s first state visit to Britain in 17 years.