It’s not the first time the US President has seemingly broken royal protocol during his visit to the UK
All eyes fell onto Donald Trump earlier today after he landed in the UK for his second state visit.
However, apparently, the politician’s first meeting with the Princess of Wales – who met him and his wife, Melania Trump, off their helicopter on the grounds of Windsor Castle – didn’t go entirely to plan.
Now, Trump has been accused of breaking some major royal protocol.
After being met by Kate and her husband, Prince William, the Trumps were accompanied over to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, after which the group of six were filmed chatting among one another.
Later, they were bundled into a royal carriage, ahead of receiving a military escort through the garden to the central residence.
Yet, after footage of Trump’s initial meeting with Kate was shared on the internet, a number of onlookers had their eyes drawn to the couple’s handshake.
In the clip, the American instigates the greeting, going on to pull the mother-of-three somewhat towards him, either intentionally or inadvertently breaking major protocol.
Noting the air of discomfort in that exact moment, one Twitter user wrote: “Poor Princess Catherine. Her distance says it all. Looks like he’s gripping her hand rather tight.”
🚨 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
Another questioned, poking fun at the Republican: “Did he pull the princess into that handshake? LoL! Let’s take Britain. They need our help. Might as well be the 51st instead of Canada.”
Prior to Trump’s visit to the UK, King Charles’ former butler Grant Harrold wa:rned of any possible missteps, warning that a visitor’s handshaking technique is pretty make-or-break.
“This is going to be a really interesting one with Trump,” he explained. “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.”
Issuing advice to the president, Harrold said: “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.”
The 79-year-old’s social media criticism comes just minutes after onlookers noticed he was guilty of somewhat rebuking King Charles by walking several steps ahead of the monarch while being escorted around the palace. The King appeared somewhat frustrated by this.
“Donald Trump leading the British army and walking in front of the king says it all,” one Twitter user hit out at the bold move, which Trump also famously did with the late Queen Elizabeth II back in 2019.
“Trump leads. Charles submits,” another joked.
