A recent interaction between British Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron, wife to the French president, has caused fans of the British monarchy to question their strict adherence to traditional protocol. It was seen during the British Normandy Memorial commemorative event, causing many members of the public to comment on how the royal family needs to update their practices to be more modern. So what exactly happened?
An Awkward Moment
On June 6th, during an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron found themselves at the center of a protocol controversy. After placing ceremonial wreaths at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, Brigitte Macron extended her hand to Queen Camilla to create a moment of solidarity, but the queen didn’t reciprocate, moving away from Macron.
What confused people was that King Charles behaved very differently. Upon meeting President Macron at the same event, the king hugged him and kissed Brigitte Macron’s hand, showcasing a more informal and warm approach. This disparity in response has fueled further debate about the royal family’s adherence to traditional etiquette and whether it aligns with contemporary expectations.
A Call for Change
The awkward exchange was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media. Critics were quick to voice their opinions, urging the British monarchy to adopt more modern behaviors, especially during sensitive events like a memorial.
The incident between Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron has highlighted the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity within the British monarchy. While the royal family’s website states there are no obligatory codes of behavior, the public’s reaction suggests a growing desire for more relatable and contemporary interactions from the royals. As societal norms evolve, so too may the expectations placed upon one of the world’s oldest and most scrutinized institutions.