Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump received King Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House at the start of their state visit. The US president faced allegations of breaching royal protocol during the meeting.
Upon their arrival in the US, the royal couple was greeted at the White House’s south portico for a reception where they were welcomed by President Trump and engaged in photo opportunities. Trump shook hands with the King while the First Lady greeted the Queen with kisses on both cheeks, followed by an exchange of pleasantries in front of the media.
Following the photo session, they proceeded inside the main residence of the White House for a garden party. As they headed inside, Trump lightly tapped the King on the shoulder, sparking discussions about whether this gesture breached royal etiquette by initiating physical contact.
Contrary to the perceived breach, the Royal Family’s official website clarified that there are no set rules for behavior when meeting members of the royal family, emphasizing the importance of courtesy over strict protocol.
Body language analyst Judi James observed the interactions, noting that Trump’s gesture of touching the King’s arm appeared more politically symbolic, reflecting a subtle yet friendly approach compared to previous encounters. She highlighted the differences in demeanor between the King and Queen and commended Melania’s warm and relaxed demeanor during the welcome.
The state visit of the King and Queen follows a recent security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner involving alleged gunshots fired in an assassination attempt. Despite security concerns, the visit proceeded as planned, with a busy itinerary that includes a formal welcome ceremony and the King’s address to Congress, focusing on fostering peace and cooperation between the UK and the US.
The King’s speech, crafted in collaboration with the government, emphasizes shared values of compassion, peace, and mutual understanding, urging collaboration for global security and prosperity. This address marks a significant moment in British-American relations, building on the strong historical ties between the two nations.