Warnings from a Royal Insider
Before the visit, royal commentator Grant Harrold, formerly King Charles’ butler, had predicted such a scenario. Speaking to Tyla, he explained:
“This is going to be a really interesting one with Trump. The member of the Royal Family should instigate the handshake. The King or the Queen should be the first to put their hand out. But I can guarantee that won’t happen with Trump, as we know he loves a handshake. It’s just one-handed, don’t grab them or pull them in for a bear hug.”
Offering further advice, he added: “Don’t overpower them, it’s meant to be mutual respect. It should only go on for a couple of seconds, and there should be good eye contact. I can guarantee this goes wrong with Trump.”
🚨 NOW: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have been greeted by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales
pic.twitter.com/omQ1XS7LYR— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 17, 2025
Walking Ahead of the King
The handshake wasn’t the only breach of etiquette making headlines. Minutes later, social media users noticed Trump striding several steps in front of King Charles as they toured the palace grounds, leaving the monarch appearing visibly irritated.
“Donald Trump leading the British army and walking in front of the king says it all,” one Twitter user remarked, referencing his past breach of protocol with Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
Another quipped: “Trump leads. Charles submits.”
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