Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House during their official state visit. The US president broke royal protocol shortly after their arrival, as they gathered for a reception on the South Lawn. Trump greeted the King with a firm handshake while Melania kissed the Queen on both cheeks, followed by a photo session. Afterward, they proceeded to a garden party inside the White House, where Trump tapped the King on the shoulder, breaching royal etiquette that discourages initiating physical contact.
Body language expert Judi James interpreted Trump’s gesture as a mix of affection and a political statement, noting the King’s apparent lack of concern over the breach of protocol. James observed that the handshake between Trump and the King appeared formal and businesslike, while Melania’s demeanor exuded warmth and familiarity. Despite Trump’s previous breaches of royal etiquette with British monarchs, the visit proceeded smoothly.
The state visit coincided with heightened security measures following a recent security breach at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Despite the incident, the royal couple’s schedule remained packed, with King Charles set to address Congress – only the second British monarch to do so after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
