President Macron breaks strict royal protocol with King Charles sparking awkward comparison to Trump

Emmanuel Macron has seemingly broken royal protocol with King Charles III during his state visit to the UK - and people are now comparing him to Donald Trump.

The French President, 47, and his wife Brigitte, 72, are currently in the middle of their three-day-trip to the English capital.

They were first greeted by Kate Middleton and Prince William at RAF Northolt in west London before meeting with the King and Queen Consort Camilla in Windsor.

Nearly 400 military personnel from the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy lined the High Street along the ceremonial route in Macron’s honour to mark the world leader’s arrival.

However, eagle-eyed royal family fans have noticed a faux pas by the French President that has raised eyebrows online, and even seen him be likened to US leader Trump.

The moment in question, which was picked up by GB News and the Royal Family Channel, saw Macron walk ahead in front of the King at Windsor Castle, as they were led by a royal guard.

Watch for yourself here:

'President Trump was heavily criticised for walking in front of the Queen... Now Macron is walking in front of the King.'

Royal Correspondent @CameronDLWalker reports as Emmanuel Macron is invited to inspect troops of the armed forces. pic.twitter.com/Oy09CdWuQG

— GB News (@GBNEWS) July 8, 2025

Tradition reportedly says the monarch should always be in front, and it can be seen as disrespectful to walk ahead of them.

Social media users have rushed online to react to and debate the moment, with some comparing it to when the American President made a similar move with the late Queen.

Back in July 2018, Trump faced heavy criticism for stepping out ahead of Queen Elizabeth II during his state visit to the UK in his first term.

One user took to X (formerly Twitter) to furiously write: “Emmanuel Macron deliberately disrespects King Charles by marching in front of him earlier today.

“Remember when Trump did this with the late Queen & it attracted international outrage?”

Another user added: “When Trump did it tho, it was a royal meltdown.”

With a third and fourth penning: “lol he’s like Trump now” and “This happens. It’s a faux pas, not a crisis.”

Another person wrote: “Walking in front of the King .. Macron is no Trump.. a wannabe Trump.”

Someone else angrily wrote: “Macron just broke royal protocol by walking in front of King Charles. No respect. No class.”

Another social media user penned: “Breaking protocol is wrong, no matter if it's Macron, Trump - or any other political leader. You don't walk in front of the Queen or King of England, period. Respect the rules, even if you don't necessarily agree with them. That's all there is to it.”

However, another user pointed out: “Macron is a head of state and as such he is Charles's equal. It is protocol for visiting heads of state to lead. It is Macron inspecting the troops, not Charles.”

A second agreed: “Not breaking anything, it's part of the protocol for the guest to walk in front of the host while reviewing troops.”

Whatever the right thing to do was, people are certainly divided on the subject.

Tyla has contacted Buckingham Palace and President Macron's representatives for comment.