Donald Trump violates royal protocol during King Charles' White House visit
This action violates the unwritten rule of refraining from initiating physical contact with royals
Donald Trump immediately violated royal protocol shortly after his meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla on Monday afternoon.
The US President and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed the royals for a momentous State Visit on the White House South Lawn before moving inside for a reception.
Mr. Trump gave King Charles a firm handshake, while the First Lady greeted Queen Camilla with cheek kisses, and then the group posed for photographers.
As they proceeded inside, President Trump lightly touched the King's arm to guide him through the entrance.
This action violates the unwritten rule of refraining from initiating physical contact with royals.
Body language specialist Judi James informed the Daily Mail that the gesture "appeared to be a more political move" and indicated a "sign of active, 'special' camaraderie".
This isn't the first instance where Mr. Trump has breached protocol by touching his "friend" King Charles.
During his visit in September 2025, he was spotted gripping the monarch above the elbow during their initial meeting, which set the stage for another touchy interaction between the two leaders.
However, as Mrs. James pointed out, the King has "always seemed more at ease with this than his mother did".
Following the royal blunder, the King and Queen had tea with the President and First Lady at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
They were then welcomed with a tour of the First Lady's new beehive, after she announced the expansion of the residence's beekeeping program last Friday, featuring a hive designed to resemble the White House.
Later, they attended a Garden Party at the British Embassy in Washington DC, attended by diverse guests representing the strong bond between Britain and America.
There, the King met with prominent American figures, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
According to both UK and US officials, this visit commemorates the 250th anniversary of America's independence.
The royal itinerary includes events across Washington DC, New York, and Virginia from April 27 to 30.
This trip coincides with increased security concerns, following a security breach at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, involving a suspect armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.