WINDSOR, England — Former U.S. President Donald Trump is once again under fire for his behavior during a high-profile meeting with the British royal family, after appearing to breach long-standing royal protocol during a ceremonial welcome with King Charles III.
The 47th president and former First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Windsor on Tuesday, where they were formally greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales before being introduced to the King and Queen.
While the initial exchange between Trump and Charles seemed warm, one particular moment drew criticism — when Trump walked in front of the monarch during an inspection of the guard of honor.
Breaking Protocol
Royal protocol dictates that members of the public — including world leaders — should walk behind the King, in accordance with his role as monarch and head of state. Instead, Trump was seen striding slightly ahead of Charles while chatting casually with one of the guards, leaving the King trailing just behind him.
The move was quickly flagged online by royal watchers and critics, many of whom accused Trump of showing disrespect.
On social media, one user wrote:
“Trump walking in front of the King. The man is a disgrace and has no respect for the King. Never did for the late Queen either…”
Others called the act “an insult” and “a reflection of Trump’s narcissism,” with some pointing out that he had committed a similar breach of etiquette during a visit with Queen Elizabeth II in 2018.
The Ceremony
The ceremonial welcome included a red-carpeted raised platform, a formal handshake, and an inspection of the guard of honor. Trump and Charles both appeared relaxed as they spoke, with Trump even placing his hand on the King’s arm during their greeting — another gesture frowned upon by protocol experts, who say physical contact with the monarch should be minimal.
After the inspection, Trump and Melania joined the King and Queen for a series of planned engagements, including a private lunch and a visit to St. George’s Chapel, where the late Queen is buried.
The day’s festivities are scheduled to culminate in a lavish state banquet — complete with a Beating Retreat ceremony, flyovers by U.S. and UK F-35 fighter jets, and a performance by the Red Arrows.
Security Heightened
The state visit comes amid extraordinary security precautions. Trump, who has survived two assassination attempts in just over a year, is traveling under one of the most robust security operations ever mounted for a former U.S. president.
Officials cited both the political climate in the United States and the recent killing of Trump ally Charlie Kirk as reasons for the heightened measures. Public-facing engagements have been limited, with many of the Trumps’ events occurring behind palace walls.
A Familiar Controversy
This is not the first time Trump has been accused of breaking royal etiquette. His 2018 walk ahead of Queen Elizabeth II sparked similar outrage, with critics calling it a breach of respect. At the time, Trump brushed off the criticism, saying he had been following instructions from royal staff.
The renewed controversy underscores the delicate nature of royal protocol, where small gestures — such as walking ahead, touching the monarch, or turning one’s back — can be viewed as symbolic slights.
What Comes Next
Trump and Melania will remain in the UK until Thursday evening, when they are expected to return to the U.S. The rest of the visit will focus on strengthening cultural ties, honoring the late Queen, and highlighting the close relationship between the UK and U.S. armed forces.
But for many observers, the images of Trump striding ahead of King Charles will linger — a moment seen by some as an innocent slip, and by others as a telling sign of the former president’s disregard for tradition.