Donald Trump and Melania Trump have spent plenty of time with King Charles III and Queen Camilla over the last few days. While they appear to get along well, one thing has caught fans’ attention. Why? Donald Trump’s gestures, which many have described as disrespectful.
Tensions between the U.S. and the U.K. have reportedly been evident in recent months. Donald Trump’s tone toward the U.K. became somewhat more hostile, particularly regarding the Iran conflict. The U.S. President reportedly called Prime Minister Keir Starmer a “loser” because he did not want to support U.S. military efforts in Iran, adding that Starmer was “no Churchill.”
Earlier this month, when asked about the relationship between the two countries, Trump reportedly responded, “Not good, not good at all.”
Restoring a strong relationship between the United States and Britain has long been an important matter of diplomacy. Because of that, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s four-day state visit to the U.S. has carried significant importance back home.
The hope is that the King and Queen can help improve relations between the two countries, and King Charles attempted to do so on Tuesday during his speech before Congress.
“Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulders — because the modern relationship between our two nations and our peoples spans not merely 250 years, but more than four centuries. It is extraordinary to think that I am the nineteenth in our line of Sovereigns to study, with daily attention, the affairs of America,” King Charles said.
King Charles & Queen Camilla’s diplomatic U.S. mission
“So, I come here today with the highest respect for the United States Congress; this citadel of democracy created to represent the voice of all American people and advance sacred rights and freedoms,” he continued.
“Speaking in this renowned chamber of debate and deliberation, I cannot help but think of my late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who in 1991 was also afforded this honor and similarly spoke under the watchful eye of the Statue of Freedom above us. Today, I am here on this important occasion in the life of our nations to express the highest regard and friendship of the British people toward the people of the United States.”
Donald Trump has often spoken about being a strong admirer of the Royal Family. However, some critics have argued that the U.S. President has not fully followed traditional etiquette and royal protocol.
Although Donald and Melania were not expected to bow to the King and Queen upon arrival, one rule often associated with royal etiquette is avoiding unnecessary physical contact.
Donald Trump’s gesture toward King Charles & Queen Camilla sparks reaction
However, some observers claimed Trump appeared to disregard that expectation. Photos reportedly showed him patting King Charles on the back while walking into the White House on Monday, and later touching the King’s knee inside the Oval Office.
Additionally, one social media user shared an image appearing to show Donald Trump touching Queen Camilla’s arm, calling it “so disrespectful.”
Others viewed the gesture differently, saying it seemed harmless and suggesting Donald Trump “was just being helpful.” Still, some believed the President’s actions could be seen as controversial.
“I do not think you are supposed to touch a King or Queen, but, of course, Trump loves breaking protocol,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “I noticed that too. Trump also touched Camilla.”
A third added: “Forget etiquette — Donald has never heard of the word, nor has he heard of respect.”
Trump praised for his “warm welcome”
Royal traditions can be surprisingly strict, and many people may not realize this rule exists. When meeting a king or queen, one commonly followed expectation is not to initiate physical contact. Under British royal protocol, the generally accepted form of contact is a handshake, and usually only if the royal offers their hand first.
That means hugs, kisses, or casually placing an arm around a member of the Royal Family are generally considered inappropriate and discouraged.
While violating this custom does not carry any legal consequences, respecting the long-standing tradition is often viewed as polite and proper. Although some criticized Donald Trump’s gestures toward the royals, others felt he and Melania handled the visit well.
“Thank you for such a warm welcome to Their Majesties!” one person wrote.
Another added, “I’m so proud of President and Mrs. Donald J. Trump! I’m proud of how gracious and good-willed you both are.”
A third commented, “A historic diplomatic moment. When leaders meet with mutual respect at the White House, it’s more than ceremony — it’s a reminder of the long-standing alliance and shared history between the two nations.”
What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
