The behavior of French First Lady Brigitte Macron during her visit to the UK has sparked a new wave of discussion.
In front of the press, she repeatedly ignored her husband, French President Emmanuel Macron, when he tried to help her off the plane and into a car.
Brigitte Macron Ignored Her Husband
The incident occurred on July 8 during a ceremonial meeting of the Macrons with the Prince and Princess of Wales in London. When Macron gallantly extended his hand to his wife to help her down the steps, Brigitte turned away, holding on to the railing.
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Later, near the car, she again ignored his hand, clutching her clutch and busying herself with her phone while the president smiled politely.
What's going on between the Macrons
This is not the first time such behavior has occurred. In May, journalists at the Hanoi airport in Vietnam recorded the moment when Brigitte pushed her husband in the face immediately after landing. At the time, the Elysee Palace explained the situation as “a joke between a married couple” and denied the conflict, while Macron’s allies called it “an ordinary family quarrel.”
However, body language experts think otherwise. According to British specialist Judy James, Brigitte “detachedly and demonstratively avoided touching” her husband, which looked unnatural even in the context of an official visit.
“She acts like she wants to demonstrate distance and independence,” James noted.
Brigitte's behavior was in particular contrast to the warmth Prince William and Kate Middleton displayed in their interactions. For example, William offered Kate his hand when they went down the stairs, and she accepted it. So Brigitte's refusal to support her husband was even more noticeable in the context of British royal behavior.
