US President Donald Trump is preparing to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla for a state visit, coming not long after he carried out his second state trip to the United Kingdom.
Trump, who began his second term on 20 January 2025, has confirmed that the British King and Queen are expected to travel to the US from 27 to 30 April 2026.
The trip will mark the first visit by a reigning British monarch to the United States in nearly a decade. Plans are said to include a private tea at the White House, a tour of the gardens, and a formal military review.
On 28 April, Charles, 77, is due to become only the second British monarch to speak to a joint session of Congress.
The announcement comes after Trump’s second UK visit last year, which drew attention over claims he broke royal etiquette.
Although there are no strictly enforced rules for meeting the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace has previously outlined three accepted formal greetings.
For men, a simple bow of the head is considered appropriate, while women are traditionally expected to perform a small curtsy.
Those who prefer not to bow or curtsy can instead opt for a handshake, provided it is initiated by the royal being greeted.
During Trump’s second state visit to the UK in September 2025, he appeared to disregard the “firm handshake” guidance.
Rather than taking King Charles’ hand, the father-of-five was seen patting the monarch on the shoulder.
Grazia reported that this kind of contact is discouraged, according to former royal butler Grant Harold.
“It’s just one-handed. Don’t grab them or pull them in for a bear hug. Don’t overpower them; it’s meant to be mutual respect and only go on for a couple of seconds, and there should be good eye contact.’
Before meeting the King at Windsor Castle, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were greeted by William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The couple did not appear to bow to Prince William, 43, and Melania, 55, did not curtsy to Kate Middleton, 44.
Instead, Trump seemed to draw the Princess of Wales towards him by taking her hand.
He also said to her: “You’re beautiful. So beautiful.”
Kate responded with a smile, and Trump later repeated similar praise during a state dinner held in his honour.
“To see Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful, it’s a great honour,” he remarked.
Trump and Melania’s first state visit took place in June 2019, when Queen Elizabeth II was still on the throne.
At the time, several reports suggested that Trump appeared to “fist-bump” the late monarch.
But Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, argued it was simply a notably strong handshake.
He said the “fist bump” impression came from an unusual camera angle, adding that some people choose to shake only the Queen’s fingertips as a sign of respect, according to NBC News.
During a state dinner that year, Trump also paid tribute to Elizabeth II and her role during the Second World War.
As a young woman, the future Queen joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she trained as a mechanic and military truck driver.
“From the Second World War to today, her majesty has stood as a constant symbol of these priceless traditions,” the Republican gushed at the time.
“She has embodied the spirit of dignity, duty and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart,”
As the Queen stood to deliver a formal toast, Trump appeared to place his left hand lightly on her back.
The Express has previously described touching a royal as a major taboo.
Michelle Obama, who was First Lady between 2009 and 2017, also made headlines after putting an arm around the Queen at a Buckingham Palace reception.
Elizabeth II responded by placing her own arm around Obama’s waist.
“If I hadn’t done the proper thing at Buckingham Palace, I had at least done the human thing,” the 62-year-old wrote in her book, Becoming.
“I daresay that the Queen was okay with it, too, because when I touched her, she only pulled closer, resting a gloved hand lightly on the small of my back.”
Protocol around hierarchy is a central part of royal engagements, including the expectation that others should not walk ahead of the monarch.
Trump drew notice in 2018 when he stepped in front of the Queen while reviewing a guard of honour from the Coldstream Guards.
He was also seen walking ahead of Charles during his latest UK trip.
In that instance, though, it appeared Charles had indicated for Trump to move forward, rather than Trump simply striding on alone.