US4 min(s) read
Published 10:26 28 Apr 2026 GMT
President Donald Trump has been accused of breaking Royal protocol during King Charles' state visit, the first by any British monarch since 2007.
The Royal made his way to the White House with Queen Camilla on Monday (April 26), where they were greeted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the South Lawn.
Many questioned if the Royals would make their way to the US after all, following the shocking shooting that took place in Washington DC on Saturday (April 25).
The suspect gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, would be apprehended after rushing security outside the White House correspondents' dinner with two firearms and knives.
Trump and other top officials were swiftly protected by security, and the President would later hold a press conference in the aftermath of the shooting.
While King Charles and President Trump shared an awkward exchange shortly after greeting each other on Monday, experts noticed something else that the latter may have done wrong.
Many may be confused as to what this entails, but Royal protocol is a set of traditional, mostly unspoken rules and etiquette governing behavior when interacting with the British Royal Family.
This can include formal greetings, properly addressing Royals, dress codes, and behavioral restrictions - they are in place to emphasise rank and respect.
While many may be concerned about how they conduct themselves around royalty, Trump may not be as bothered as the average Joe.
Trump was accused of breaking protocol on his last visit to the UK, failing to perform a neck bow to both King Charles and Prince William, while getting particularly handsy.
But you'd think after the backlash last time that the President would change his ways this time around.
Months on from his visit to the UK, the President greeted the King in the US with a firm handshake, while the First Lady kissed the Queen on both cheeks, before posing for photos.
While a lip reader claimed that Trump spoke about Putin with the King in the eyes of the press, a body language expert also claimed that the latter showed signs of fear.
But while they made their way to the White House for a garden party, experts noticed that Trump tapped the King on the shoulder, therefore breaking Royal protocol once again, as you are not supposed to initiate physical contact.
The President did the same thing last year, with many taking notice.
However, according to the Royal Family's official website, contrary to popular belief, there is no set code of conduct when it comes to meeting the King, Queen, or any member of the Royal Family.
It states: "The King and Queen meet thousands of people each year in the UK and overseas.
"Before meeting Their Majesties, many people ask how they should behave.
"The simple answer is that there are no obligatory codes of behaviour - just courtesy."
Speaking to the Daily Mail, body language expert Judi James explained: "This touch on the arm as they walked in also looked like a more political gesture.
"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 went on: "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."
James said that their handshake lasted around eight seconds, appearing more business-like, while Melania's greeting was more friendly and relaxed.
The expert added: "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."
