Donald Trump Breaks Protocol with King Charles — Not Once, But Twice in Surprising 'Power Move'

Donald Trump seemed ignorant of the stringent, age-old royal protocols as he landed in the UK on September 17. The President broke not one but two protocols on his first day. First, he arrived 21 minutes late on the Windsor Grounds, keeping Prince William and Kate Middleton, and by extension King Charles waiting. Second, he walked several steps ahead of the King while chatting with military personnel. As per royal etiquette, no one should walk ahead of the monarch in formal settings or public appearances, not even other royals.

The Mirror reports that Trump was scheduled to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales in the Walled Garden at 12 pm. However, his Marine One helicopter was hovering above the garden's lawn at 12:10 pm, about 15 minutes later than planned. When they finally landed, they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with the royal couple, with Trump even calling Middleton, ‘beautiful.’

Charles, known to be very particular about time, reportedly does not appreciate when his guests arrive even a few minutes late. During his May 2023 coronation, he and Queen Camilla arrived five minutes early and had to wait inside the carriage before they could enter the church. According to Sky News, a lip reader claimed that the monarch had fumed, "We can never be on time. There's always something."

As for Trump's second transgression, the business mogul also pulled a ‘power move’ when he and Charles met with military personnel while inspecting the Guard of Honor. During the inspection, Trump was seen walking several steps ahead of the King. However, Palace sources have debated if this was indeed a protocol break, telling the Daily Mail that Charles has made a point of inviting Presidents to walk in front of him, much like he has with other world leaders. The monarch seemed unbothered by the breach, as he jokingly told Trump, "Watch the swords!"

Trump’s actions during the inspection echoed his 2019 state visit to the UK, when he was seen walking ahead of the late Queen Elizabeth. He briefly also placed his back to the Queen, putting her in a state of confusion and forcing her to navigate around him. Royal correspondent Cameron Walker has previously explained a different side to the breach, saying, "This is perhaps customary that the King, as the host, gives way to the foreign head of state who is the honored guest at Windsor Castle," when French President Emmanuel Macron repeated the same behavior during his state visit in July this year.

Trump is scheduled to depart from the UK on September 18, after enjoying a state banquet at Windsor Castle hosted by Charles and Camilla. In the banquet, his speech highlighted the ‘special relationship’ between the US and the UK, invoking the legacy of Winston Churchill. He also complimented the Princess of Wales, saying, "Melania and I are delighted to visit with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine. So radiant, so healthy, and so beautiful." Meanwhile, Charles reciprocated with a speech highlighting the enduring bond between the two nations.