Donald Trump and Melania have spent plenty of time with King Charles and Queen Camilla in the last few days. But while they appear to get along well with one another, one thing has prompted fans to react. Why? Donald Trump’s gestures, which many find disrespectful.
The tension between the U.S and the U.K has been evident in recent months. Donald Trump’s tone became somewhat hostile towards the U.K, not least because of the Iran war. The U.S President called Prime Minister Kier Starmer a “loser” as he didn’t want to assist the U.S. military in the war in Iran, adding that Starmer was “no Churchill.”
Earlier this month, when asked about the relationship between the countries, Trump responded, “Not good, not good at all.”
To reclaim the good relationship between the United States and Britain has always been a matter of diplomacy. Therefore, the fact that King Charles and Queen Camilla have embarked on a 4-day state visit to the U.S is of great importance back home.
The hope is that the king and queen will help mend relations between the two countries, and King Charles tried to do just that on Tuesday as he spoke before Congress.
“Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulder – because the modern relationship between our two Nations and our own peoples spans not merely 250 years, but over four centuries.
King Charles & Queen Camilla’s diplomatic U.S mission
It is extraordinary to think that I am the nineteenth in our line of Sovereigns to study, with daily attention, the affairs of America,” King Charles said.
“So, I come here today with the highest respect for the United States Congress; this citadel of democracy created to represent the voice of all American people to advance sacred rights and freedoms,” he continued.
“Speaking in this renowned chamber of debate and deliberation, I cannot help but think of my late mother, Queen Elizabeth, who, in 1991, was also afforded this signal honor and similarly spoke under the watchful eye of the Statue of Freedom above us. Today, I am here on this great occasion in the life of our Nations to express the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States.”
Donald Trump has always said to have been a huge fan of the Royal Family. Still, some fans have said that the U.S. President has not done his homework on common courtesy and royal protocol.
While Donald and Melania didn’t bow to the king and queen as they arrived, which they are not required to do, one thing is strictly forbidden: touching them.
Donald Trump’sgesture towards King Charles & Queen Camilla breaks royal protocol
However, Trump has decided to ignore this. Pictures have shown him patting Charles on the back as they walked into the White House on Monday, and, inside the Oval Office, he touched the king’s knee.
Moreover, one social media user shared an image where Donald Trump touched Queen Camilla’s arm, stating that it was “so disrespectful.”
Others felt the gesture was “fine” as they believed Donald Trump “was just being helpful.” However, others highlighted how the U.S President’s behavior may be viewed as controversial.
“I do not think you are supposed to touch a King or Queen, but, of course, Trump loves breaking protocol,” a second wrote.
A third replied: “I noticed that too. Trump also touched Camilla.”
Another person chipped in, “Forget etiquette – Donald has never heard of the word, nor has he heard of respect.”
Trump praised for his “warm welcome”
Royal rules can be surprisingly strict, and many people have no idea this one even exists. When it comes to meeting a king or queen, there’s one important tradition you’re expected to follow: never make the first move physically. Per British Royal Protocol, the only acceptable form of contact is a handshake, and only if the royal offers their hand first.
That means hugs, kisses, or even casually placing an arm around a member of the Royal Family are considered inappropriate and strongly discouraged.
While breaking this rule won’t land anyone in legal trouble, respecting the long-standing tradition is considered polite and proper. Although many criticized Donald Trump’s controversial gestures of touching the royals, others felt he and First Lady Melania Trump did a great job.
“Thank you for such a warm welcome to Their Majesties!,” one person wrote.
Another added, “I’m so proud of President and Mrs Donald J. Trump! I’m proud of how gracious and good willed you both are.”
A third said, “A historic, diplomatic moment. When leaders meet with mutual respect at the White House, it’s more than ceremony – it’s a reminder of the long-standing alliance and shared history between the two nations.”
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