King Charles III and Queen Camilla welcomed Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, to the United Kingdom earlier today for their second state visit. But less than 24 hours into his trip, the former U.S. president has already sparked debate about breaches of royal protocol.
The 79-year-old Republican leader and the First Lady, 55, landed at Stansted Airport yesterday (16 September) aboard Air Force One for their two-day tour of Britain. Today’s official programme began when the couple arrived at Windsor by helicopter, where they were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales before meeting the King and Queen for a carriage ride around the estate.
Yet eagle-eyed viewers were quick to notice several moments that appeared to veer from established royal etiquette.
A Late Arrival
Trump’s timing was the first point of contention. He and Melania were scheduled to touch down at 11:55 a.m., but Marine One did not hover over Windsor’s walled garden until 12:10 p.m. By the time Trump stepped out, it was 12:16 p.m.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, who had arrived punctually at 12:02 p.m. in the state Bentley, were left waiting inside Victoria House. The King has long made his dislike of tardiness clear, famously grumbling at his own coronation in May 2023 when he was forced to wait inside the carriage: “We can never be on time. There’s always something… this is boring.”
The Handshake with Princess Kate
The next moment came during the greetings. Cameras captured Trump shaking hands with Kate Middleton, with many viewers struck by the length and firmness of the exchange. Some accused him of pulling the Princess of Wales slightly towards him.
One social media user joked: “Did he pull the princess into that handshake? LoL! Let’s take Britain. They need our help. Might as well be the 51st instead of Canada.” Another remarked: “Poor Princess Catherine. Her distance says it all. Looks like he’s gripping her hand rather tight.”
Royal etiquette experts had warned this might happen. Grant Harrold, King Charles’s former butler, explained before the visit: “The member of the Royal Family should instigate the handshake. But I can guarantee that won’t happen with Trump, as we know he loves a handshake. It’s just one-handed—don’t grab them or pull them in for a bear hug.”
Walking Ahead of the King
🚨 NOW: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have been greeted by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales
pic.twitter.com/omQ1XS7LYR— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 17, 2025
Perhaps the most controversial moment came after the carriage ride. As the group made their way through the gardens to the central residence, Trump appeared to stride a few steps ahead of King Charles while speaking with a guard. Royal observers winced, pointing out that walking in front of the monarch is generally considered a breach of protocol.
Still, some reports suggested this may not have been a mistake at all, but rather a tradition that allows visiting world leaders to walk ahead of the sovereign during certain ceremonial inspections.
