Concerns have been raised regarding the conduct of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania during their meeting with King Charles on their second state visit to the UK.
Upon their arrival from the helicopter on September 17, they were welcomed by Prince William and Kate Middleton on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The President and his wife accompanied the Prince and Princess of Wales to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla.
When the 79-year-old Republican met the royals, he did not bow, nor did Melania curtsy during their handshake with both the King and Queen, as well as William and Kate.
This has prompted questions about whether the Americans breached royal protocol.
The Royal Family’s official website clarifies: “There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.
“For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.
“On presentation to The Queen, the correct formal address is ‘Your Majesty’ and subsequently ‘Ma’am,’ pronounced with a short ‘a,’ as in ‘jam.'”
The site continues: “For male members of the Royal Family the same rules apply, with the title used in the first instance being ‘Your Royal Highness’ and subsequently ‘Sir’.
“For other female members of the Royal Family the first address is conventionally ‘Your Royal Highness’ and subsequently ‘Ma’am.'”
It’s worth noting that the ‘greetings’ page on the Royal Family’s website has not been updated since Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold also commented on the fact that Trump and First Lady Melania did not curtsy to the royals.
“It’s important to remember that certain royal rules – including bowing and curtsying – only apply to people in the UK and the Commonwealth,” Harrold explained on behalf of OLGBG, adding: “You bow to the title, not the person. So Trump doesn’t actually need to bow to the King.”
Addressing the debate on whether Trump and Melania should have walked in front of Prince William during their reception at Windsor Castle, Harrold added: “Contrary to reports during Trump’s first State Visit to the UK, it’s not actually a breach of royal protocol to walk in front of royals.
“If you look back at previous State Visits, you see the likes of Clinton walking in front of Prince Philip. It’s the visiting Head of State who is receiving the military welcome, so it’s not unusual for them to be front and centre.”
Harrold further mentioned: “In terms of etiquette generally, Trump is the guest and this inspection is for him. Therefore it’s polite for the King to let his guest walk ahead and get the full impact of this powerful piece of British military tradition.”