President Macron’s wife Brigitte fuels heated debate after royal fans spot major issue at state dinner

A heated debate has been sparked online during Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte’s ongoing state visit to the UK.

The French President and First Lady were greeted by the British monarchs as they arrived in the UK for a three-day trip on Tuesday (8 July).

They first met with Prince William and Kate Middleton at RAF Northolt in west London, before heading to Windsor Castle to spend time with King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.

The red carpet was certainly rolled out as nearly 400 military personnel from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy lined the High Street and a 41-gun salute sounded to mark the world leader’s arrival.

Amid their busy schedule, the Macrons also attended a glitzy state banquet with the British royals, which was the Princess of Wales’ first in two years.

However, eagle-eyed royal fans have spotted what they think is a major issue with the set-up of the prestigious dinner - and it’s safe to say they are not impressed.

Brigitte Macron's name card has caused quite the debate (X/@theroyalfamily)

People are nitpicking at a video shared to the official royal family’s Facebook page ahead of the meal in St George’s Hall.

It showed the immaculate set-up for the very fancy dinner, including how the table had been laid out with polished gold cutlery.

The caption of the post, which was shared yesterday, read: “Final preparations are taking place ahead of this evening’s State Banquet in St George's Hall, Windsor Castle.”

And the part in question that ignited a debate was the name card for the First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron.

It read: “Mrs. Brigitte Macron,” which, in our opinion, sounds about right - it is her name, after all.

However, one social media user has taken issue with the President’s wife being referred to with her name, rather than ‘Mrs. Emmanuel Macron’.

They wrote on Twitter: “Disappointed to see standards are slipping in the Royal Household. At yesterday's state banquet for the President of France, his wife's place card read: 'Mrs. Brigitte Macron'.

"Traditionally, the correct form is: 'Mrs. Emmanuel Macron'. A lady takes her status from her husband."

Another user angrily replied: “If the Royal Household is unable to get this right there's no hope for the masses. Who probably don't care anyway... However, I do care.

“Etiquette, manners and grammar matter in my book. What an embarrassment on the world stage.”

A third agreed: "Yes. 'Mrs. Brigitte Macron' would be the ex-wife of Mr. Macron. The current wife is 'Mrs. Emmanuel Macron', as you say."

And a fourth chimed in with: "Lord, Britain is lost. Seating place etiquette is dead."

However, others have rushed to the defence of the decision, rightly pointing out that it’s ‘2025’ and women should surely be allowed to have their own names on the cards.

The French President and his wife visited the UK this week (Pool / Getty Images)

“Nah, I'd rather my first name be there if I already took his last name, thanks,” wrote one X user.

Another added: “I get what you are saying but in modern times of emancipation, we are NOT owned by our husbands any longer and deserve to be recognised as ourselves.”

With a third arguing: “Usually completely agree,and I understand tradition but as a woman who was left by my husband it is important that I be called Ms. And my maiden name. I am a woman in my own right. I don’t feel a woman’s title should only depend on their husband. Royals deserve the correct titles.”

Meanwhile, another person quipped: “Archaic Victorian sexism. Thank god we’ve moved on from these laughable “traditions”.

Tyla has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.

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