All eyes are on the White House this week (yes, more so even than usual) and not just because of the distasteful scenes that played out during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the weekend.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have landed in the US for their four-day state visit, and were welcomed by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania yesterday, April 27.
Given how unpredictable and eccentric Trump can be, and how many rules people usually have to follow when interacting with senior members of the British Royal Family, it’s perhaps not that odd that people online feared some sort of breach of protocol when the POTUS met the King of England.
Though Trump appeared to receive King Charles with one of his trademark firm handshakes, nothing seemed to be amiss as the pair greeted one another yesterday.
Along with Melania and Camilla, they exchanged pleasantries and posed for photos. All was smiles; all went well.
Then, according to reports, Trump made a slight error when the quartet turned and headed into the White House’s main reception, where they were to have a garden party.
As hinted above, the rules of engagement regarding the British monarch are often archaic, confusing, and downright strange. Turning your back on the king or queen, for example (without first retreating a few paces) is considered bad form. As is beginning to eat your meal before the monarch does, should you ever find yourself dining at the same table.
When Charles turned to head to the aforementioned garden party, it’s reported that Trump tapped the King on the shoulder. As far as breaking etiquette guidelines within royal circles goes, this is a big no-no – people are advised never to touch the monarch, limiting physical contact to a handshake, provided the king or queen extends their hand first.
Speaking ahead of Charles and Camilla’s visit to the US, former royal butler Grant Harrold actually had a word of warning for Trump.
“My advice to the Trumps would be to look, but don’t touch,” Harrld told Action Network. “As simple as that. Look, smile, be gracious, but please do not touch. Leave the King alone.”
While Trump tapping Charles on the shoulder isn’t about to ruin their trip or spark any sort of international animosity, this isn’t the first time the POTUS has technically fallen foul of etiquette where British royals are concerned.
Back in 2018, he was lambasted by the British press for allegedly turning his back on Queen Elizabeth II and then proceeding to march ahead of her as they walked by a line of British servicemen.
Trump also appeared to grab Charles on the elbow when the pair met in London last September.
As for his tap on the King’s shoulder, body language expert Judi James played down its significance, claiming that it would likely not be a big deal for Charles.
“This touch on the arm as they walked in looked like a more political gesture,” James told the Daily Mail.
“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].”
She added: “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.”
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