Pomp, pageantry and the Macrons' Gallic charm...

EMMANUEL Macron was welcomed to the UK yesterday with all the pomp and pageantry the Royal Family could muster.

- Emily Ferguson

The reception included a spectacular carriage procession through the streets of Windsor and a magnificent military parade at the castle. And the warmth did not just come from the sizzling sunshine, as the King and Queen exchanged greetings with their guests, the French President and First Lady Brigitte Macron.

Mr Macron rolled out the Gallic charm by taking the Queen’s hand and leaning forward to air kiss it, having earlier greeted the Princess of Wales at RAF Northolt, London, with the same gesture.

There were “la bise” kisses between Mrs Macron and the Queen — a kiss on either cheek — and as Mr Macron stood chatting to the King with ease, the President placed his hand on the monarch’s back and gave it a few affectionate rubs.

The two women, who have met many times before, talked with their heads together like old friends. At one point Camilla appeared to imitate riding a horse,

Which made Mrs Macron laugh. And the affection did not stop at the initial greetings, with the two couples joking, chatting and enjoying each another’s company when later viewing items from the Royal Collection, and then at the glittering state banquet in the evening.

The jam-packed day of events marked the start of a three-day French State Visit, held at Windsor Castle due to the refurbishment works at Buckingham Palace.