But many pushed back, arguing that such traditions feel outdated — particularly in 2025. Supporters of the naming choice praised it as a recognition of women as individuals, not simply extensions of their spouses.

“It’s her name,” one X user wrote bluntly. “Why shouldn’t she be addressed as Brigitte Macron?”

Others pointed out that in modern protocol, especially in diplomatic events involving multiple countries, using a person’s full name can help avoid confusion — especially when the woman is also a public figure. “We’re not owned by our husbands,” another woman wrote. “It’s the 21st century.”

Some argued that even among royals and heads of state, traditions must evolve. “Formality shouldn’t mean erasing someone’s identity,” one commenter noted.

Though Buckingham Palace has not issued a response, the debate underscores how even the smallest gestures in public life — like the wording on a name card — can reflect much larger cultural shifts.

Whether seen as a breach of old etiquette or a quiet nod to modern sensibilities, the moment offered a snapshot of how gender roles, formality, and public expectations continue to collide — even at the most polished of royal tables.