All eyes are on the White House this week — perhaps even more than usual — and not just because of the controversial scenes that unfolded during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner over the weekend.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in the U.S. for their four-day state visit and were welcomed by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump yesterday, April 27.
Given how unpredictable and unconventional Trump can be — and how many strict rules people are expected to follow when meeting senior members of the British Royal Family — it’s perhaps no surprise that people online were anticipating some kind of protocol slip when the U.S. president met the King of England.
Although Trump greeted King Charles with one of his signature firm handshakes, nothing initially seemed out of place as the two met.
Alongside Melania and Camilla, they exchanged pleasantries and posed for photos. Everyone was smiling, and everything appeared to go smoothly.
Then, according to reports, Trump made a small mistake as the group turned and headed into the White House’s main reception area, where they were set to attend a garden party.
As mentioned, the etiquette surrounding the British monarch is often seen as old-fashioned, confusing, and sometimes unusual. Turning your back on the king or queen, for example — without first stepping backward a few paces — is considered poor form. So is starting your meal before the monarch does if you happen to be dining together.
When Charles turned to head toward the garden party, Trump reportedly tapped him on the shoulder. In royal etiquette, this is considered a major no-no — people are generally advised not to touch the monarch, with physical contact usually limited to a handshake, and only if the king or queen offers their hand first.
Speaking ahead of Charles and Camilla’s visit to the U.S., former royal butler Grant Harrold had even issued a warning for Trump.
“My advice to the Trumps would be to look, but don’t touch,” Harrold 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 is unlikely to damage their relationship or cause any diplomatic tension, it’s not the first time he has technically broken royal etiquette.
Back in 2018, he was heavily criticized by the British press for allegedly turning his back on Queen Elizabeth II and then walking ahead of her during an inspection of British servicemen.
Trump also appeared to grab Charles by the elbow when they met in London last September.
As for the recent shoulder tap, body language expert Judi James downplayed the moment, suggesting it likely wasn’t a big issue for Charles.
“This touch on the arm as they walked in looked like more of a political gesture,” James told the Daily Mail.
“It was also the first real gesture of active, ‘special’ friendship here from a much more subdued Trump than the very expressive 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 restrained for Trump.
“Just a light, tentative, and rather polite touch to guide Charles inside.
“This initial greeting gave the overall impression of friendliness, and the cheek kisses from Melania created a sense of warmth, almost like a family-style approach.”
