French President Emmanuel Macron has seemingly been left embarrassed on the world stage for a second time by his wife Brigitte after appearing to get ignored as the couple arrived in the UK.
As Macron and his wife touched down in Britain for their first-ever state visit, the French premier offered his hand to his wife as she disembarked the plane.
As Brigitte descended the aircraft steps, she ignored her husband's gesture, choosing instead to grip the handrail for support.
The French President awkwardly withdrew his hand after the snub before turning to greet Prince William and Princess Catherine at the bottom of the plane's staircase.
Brigitte Macron appeared to ignore husband Emmanuel Macron's gesture as she disembarked their plane in the UK
POOL
He air-kissed Kate's hand in an affectionate gesture while exchanging pleasantries with the waiting dignitaries.
Minutes later, tensions between the couple appeared to continue as they entered their vehicle to begin the journey to Windsor.
Macron busied himself with paperwork while Brigitte retrieved her phone from her handbag, creating a notably frosty atmosphere.
They then met King Charles and Queen Camilla on a Royal Dais constructed on Datchet Road in Windsor town centre, with gun salutes sounding in nearby Home Park.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The French President was left awkwardly standing with his wife after appearing to ignore his gesture
POOL
The uncomfortable interaction follows a more dramatic incident just weeks earlier during an official tour in Vietnam.
Footage from Hanoi airport in late May showed Brigitte appearing to strike her husband's face through the doorway of their official plane.
The French President looked stunned following the apparent slap before turning to wave at onlookers and the media. When attempting to hold her hand again as they descended the staircase, Brigitte once more chose the handrail instead.
A source close to Macron told French news channel BFMTV that the Vietnam incident was simply a married couple "bickering".
The source added: "It was a moment for the President and his wife to unwind one last time before the start of the trip by having a little fun."
Brigitte Macron held onto the handrail of the craft instead of her husband's hand
POOL
The French President's office initially denied the authenticity of the Vietnam footage, according to reports. However, it was later confirmed to be genuine.
A close friend of the couple described it to BFMTV as a "harmless dispute" between husband and wife, attempting to downplay the significance of the public altercation.
The royal party today took a carriage procession through Windsor and along part of the Long Walk.
A ceremonial welcome was staged in the castle's quadrangle with the Guard of Honour.
Tonight, a state banquet will be held in the medieval St George's Hall, where approximately 160 guests will be seated at the elaborately decorated 50-metre table. Both the King and President will deliver speeches at the event.
Most Read
