Yesterday, President Donald Trump touched down in the U.K. for an unprecedented second state visit. This morning, he met with King Charles, and he’s already managed to louse up his first interaction with the monarch. If their introduction was anything to go by, it’s going to be a long day for Charles.
The president committed some royal no-nos when being greeted by Charles, and while it’s not the end of the world, it certainly indicates that Trump is being as callous and narcissistic as always.
What did Donald Trump do?
Trump was seen disembarking from a helicopter alongside his wife, Melania. At this point, he was already 20 minutes late meaning he had left the monarch waiting, (something which Charles reportedly hates doing). Upon landing, he and his wife were first greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Kate), whom they shook hands with.
He then walked over to the King and shook hands with Charles, breaking royal etiquette by forgetting to bow to the monarch, meanwhile Melania also did not curtsey. This is traditionally the polite way of greeting a member of the royal family. Of course, if we know anything about Trump it’s that he’s the furthest from polite you can get.
Trump also repeatedly touched the King’s arm and the Prince’s arm and shoulder according to Metro.co.uk. This is another minor no-no which, while not being a breach of protocol, does break the custom to not go beyond a handshake. Tactile behavior such as this is typically discouraged but it’s unlikely Trump knows or really cares.
The president also made the same mistake he previously made with Queen Elizabeth II as he was seen walking in front of Charles. Considering how highly he’s spoken of the King in the past, you’d think Trump would make more of an effort to be respectful.
King Charles was probably dreading this
By all accounts the King of England hasn’t exactly been looking forward to his meeting with Trump. The president may well be in a foul mood as the U.K. broadcasting service, Channel 4 is set to air a program debunking many of his recent falsehoods and it’s been timed to coincide with his royal visit.
But even before that, Charles has likely been mentally preparing for what would ultimately be an awkward state visit. Trump’s recent comments threatening to annex Canada will have put the King (who is Canada’s head of state) in a tight spot. This coupled with Trump’s brash and frankly inconsiderate nature means that Charles will likely be wishing he could fast forward through the whole day and put it all behind him.
Trump will be heading back to the U.S. on Thursday, but until then, it’s up to the King to entertain him.
