Donald Trump has long admired the Royal Family, but royal protocol has often not been his strength. During King Charles and Queen Camilla’s important 4-day state visit to the U.S., aimed at improving relations between the two nations, an awkward moment at the White House drew major attention.
At an official welcome ceremony on the South Lawn, King Charles addressed Congress about the historic ties between the two countries, while he and Trump later inspected military units, including the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard.
However, social media focused less on the ceremony and more on Trump’s interaction with Queen Camilla. In a viral clip, as the Queen greeted delegates outside the White House, Trump suddenly stepped in front of her and began greeting the same guests, leaving her standing behind him. Many online viewers called the move disrespectful and “classless,” criticizing him for ignoring etiquette and once again putting himself at the center of attention.
The incident also reminded some of Trump’s earlier meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, when he similarly stepped in front of her during a U.K. visit.