Former President Donald Trump is facing renewed criticism after committing what many consider a serious breach of royal etiquette just hours into his state visit to the United Kingdom.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Windsor earlier today, where they were received by the Prince and Princess of Wales. The two couples walked together after their greeting—Trump and Prince William side by side in the center, while Melania and Catherine walked on either side.
As they neared King Charles III, Prince William introduced his father to Trump with a simple, “This is my father.” The King offered a subtle wave in acknowledgment, before shaking hands with Trump. The two appeared animated during their brief exchange—however, one moment in particular has drawn backlash: Trump placed his hand on King Charles’ arm, a gesture considered inappropriate by traditional royal standards.
Critics Erupt Over ‘Disrespectful’ Behavior
The reaction online was swift and scathing. On social media, critics accused Trump of disrespecting royal traditions—particularly when, during a military ceremony shortly afterward, Trump walked ahead of King Charles while inspecting the honor guard.
“He’s done it again—walking in front of the monarch like he owns the place,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding a face-palm emoji.
“It’s a disgrace. There’s a reason everyone walks behind the King. Trump doesn’t care about protocol—he cares about being the center of attention,” wrote another.
One viral tweet read:
“Donald Trump leading the British army and striding ahead of King Charles? That says everything you need to know.”
Protocol Breach: A Repeat Offense?
According to longstanding royal tradition, individuals are expected to walk behind the monarch, particularly during formal events such as military inspections. In the Royal Family, even senior royals walk behind the sovereign in line with their rank and position in the succession.
Observers noted that this wasn’t Trump’s first protocol misstep. During a previous visit in 2018, he faced similar criticism for walking in front of Queen Elizabeth II, prompting backlash from the British press and public alike.
“He disrespected the late Queen, and now he’s doing the same to King Charles. Nothing’s changed,” one person commented.
Tight Security & Royal Agenda
The Trumps will remain in the UK until Thursday evening (September 18). While most of their schedule is being kept private due to heightened security concerns—including two recent assassination attempts targeting the former president—several high-profile, royal-focused events are on the agenda.
These include:
- A visit to Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb at St George’s Chapel
- A private lunch with the royal family
- A Beating Retreat ceremony with a flyover by UK and US fighter jets, including the Red Arrows
- A lavish state banquet later in the evening
During the ceremonial welcome, Trump and King Charles stood on a red-carpeted platform with Queen Camilla and Melania Trump. They were met with a full guard of honour, before Trump and the King began a formal troop inspection—which is when the controversial moment occurred.
Public Reaction Divided, But Loud
Although the Trumps were warmly greeted by the royal hosts, public opinion remains sharply divided. While some see the former president’s actions as an unintentional slip, others argue it reflects a deeper disregard for diplomatic and cultural norms.
“It’s not just about walking ahead,” said one British commenter. “It’s about understanding where you are, and showing respect to another country’s customs. He clearly can’t be bothered.”
Whether the moment was a genuine faux pas or deliberate showmanship, it has once again placed Trump at the center of controversy—this time on British soil.
