President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have arrived in the UK for a two-day state visit, beginning on September 16 and continuing through September 17. Their schedule is packed: upon landing at Stansted Airport, they were accommodated at Winfield House in Regent’s Park before heading to Windsor Castle for multiple engagements, including a state banquet scheduled for the evening of September 17.
Greeting with Royal Family
As Trump and Melania made their way into Windsor Castle, they were welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales after stepping down from Marine One. Soon after, they approached King Charles and Queen at the royal residence for a formal greeting ceremony. It was during this moment that Trump appeared to break with standard royal protocol.
Protocol Breach: The Handshake and Touch
Trump extended his right hand to shake King Charles’s hand, which is customary. However, he also placed his left hand on the King’s arm. This additional physical contact—arm touch—is discouraged under royal etiquette. The established practice limits interactions to a handshake and generally rules out putting an arm around, touching the back, or using a hand on someone’s shoulder or arm when greeting members of the royal family. Charles appeared unperturbed by the gesture.
Walking Order Mishap
Earlier in the day, Trump was seen walking ahead of King Charles while on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Traditionally, people—especially visitors—are expected to follow behind the monarch when moving through certain parts of royal estates. The order of procession reflects rank and the line of succession within the royal family, making walking behind the King more appropriate during such formal settings.
Comparisons to Previous Royal Etiquette Errors
This is not the first time someone has made a similar error. In 2017, musician Ed Sheeran greeted King Charles by shaking his hand and placing another hand on the King’s arm—mirroring the same kind of touch that is now being noticed during Trump’s visit. Sheeran later explained that, during their brief exchange, the King asked about his music sales and upcoming performances, reacting with mild surprise when Sheeran mentioned a concert in New York the next day.
Itinerary Highlights
Beyond these protocol moments, the visit includes a number of significant events. On the first full day, Trump and Melania will visit the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in St. George’s Chapel, enjoy a lunch with members of the royal family, and attend a special ceremony called Beating Retreat. This event will include flypasts by UK and US F-35 fighter jets alongside the Red Arrows. The evening is capped by an official state banquet, completing the formal elements of their stay.
Conclusion
Trump’s visit to the UK has once again highlighted how closely royal etiquette is observed and how quickly any perceived missteps are noticed. While the handshake and walking order may seem minor to many, they serve as reminders of the centuries-old traditions surrounding the monarchy. King Charles appeared unfazed by the informal gestures, suggesting that the royal family is willing to adapt to moments of spontaneity during such high-profile visits. As the state visit continues, attention will remain focused on the balance between diplomatic formality and Trump’s characteristic style of breaking with tradition.
