Observers of The Trumps’ significant state visit to the UK this week have noted that Melania did not curtsy while meeting members of the royal family. However, did she actually breach any protocol?
Donald Trump and Melania were welcomed by Kate Middleton and Prince William in Windsor on September 17, during their second state visit to the UK. Prince William then introduced Trump to his father, King Charles III.
During the introductions, some noticed that First Lady Melania did not curtsy while shaking hands with Charles or Queen Camilla, nor with William or Kate. This led to social media discussions about whether the couple had been disrespectful, but this is not the case, according to the royal family’s official website.
The website clarifies that regarding royal protocol, “There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.”
It further details the customs of addressing the royals:
“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’.
“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’.”
Ultimately, Melania didn’t violate any protocols and was not required to curtsy.
Nonetheless, some expressed concerns about Trump’s demeanor while he and Charles conducted a military inspection.
Trump was observed walking ahead of the King, and a former royal butler commented on the situation, noting it was not necessarily a breach of royal protocol.
Grant Harrold explained: “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 center.”