In the run-up to the British Royal Family’s four-day state visit to the US, plenty of attention was on whether Donald Trump would follow royal protocol when meeting them.
At first, the welcome appeared to go smoothly, with no obvious missteps.
When Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla, Trump delivered one of his trademark firm handshakes to the King, while Melania greeted the Queen with kisses on both cheeks.
The group then paused for the cameras, and everything seemed cordial.
But as they turned to head inside the White House’s main reception—where they were due to attend a garden party—Trump appeared to tap King Charles on the shoulder.
Traditionally, that’s considered a mistake in royal circles, where people are often advised not to initiate physical contact with the monarch.
Before the visit, former royal butler Grant Harrold had offered Trump some straightforward guidance.
“My advice to the Trumps would be to look, but don’t touch. As simple as that. Look, smile, be gracious, but please do not touch. Leave the King alone.”
The moment has since sparked discussion about whether Trump crossed a line in terms of expected etiquette.
However, the Royal Family’s official website suggests the expectations are less rigid than many assume.
“The King and Queen meet thousands of people each year in the UK and overseas.
“Before meeting Their Majesties, many people ask how they should behave. The simple answer is that there are no obligatory codes of behavior – just courtesy.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, body language expert Judi James argued the contact looked less like an accident and more like a deliberate sign of familiarity.
“This touch on the arm as they walked in looked like a more political gesture.
“It was also the first real gesture of active, ‘special’ friendship here from a rather more subdued Trump than the very effusive rituals we saw during their last meeting [in September 2025].
James described it as a technical breach, though she suggested King Charles may not have been particularly bothered by it.
“Charles has always seemed more relaxed about that than his mother [Queen Elizabeth II], and Trump’s gesture was extremely tempered for Trump.
“Just a light, tentative and rather polite touch to steer Charles inside.
“This initial greeting ritual gave the surface impression of geniality, and the cheek kisses from Melania created the impression of warmth, with an almost ‘family’ style approach.”
Trump has previously faced criticism over his conduct during royal meetings, with past encounters drawing headlines for perceived etiquette errors.
During his 2018 visit, he was heavily criticised in the British press after appearing to step ahead of Queen Elizabeth II and turning his back as they walked past British servicemen—an action widely treated as a significant protocol slip.
He was also criticised after meeting King Charles in London last September, when he reportedly held the King above the elbow during their greeting.
So while this latest moment raised eyebrows, some observers noted it could have been far more disruptive given the history.
King Charles and Queen Camilla now have a packed itinerary. After arriving at the White House yesterday, they are set to attend another garden party at the British Ambassador’s residence in Washington.
Today’s plans include a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office, followed by another formal greeting involving US troops.
They will then address Congress in a joint session—only the second time a British monarch has done so, following Queen Elizabeth II’s address during her 1991 trip.