Donald Trump has been in the UK since late Tuesday on a state visit, where he has been hosted by the Royal Family with full ceremony — including a military procession and a state banquet with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
But according to a body language expert, the King appeared “clearly uneasy” after the former U.S. president repeated a protocol slip that once made headlines with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Trump Walks Ahead of the Monarch
This is Trump’s second official state visit to Britain, though the circumstances are very different this time. With Queen Elizabeth II no longer on the throne, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump bowed to King Charles instead.
After arriving Tuesday evening and spending the night at Windsor Castle, Trump was greeted Wednesday by Prince William and Princess Kate before holding private meetings with the King. The day featured all the traditional fanfare of such a visit — a Red Arrows flyover, military honors, and a banquet.
However, during the ceremonial inspection of the troops, Trump once again strode ahead of the monarch. The same move in 2019, when he walked in front of Queen Elizabeth, was widely criticized as a breach of royal etiquette.
Expert Says King Was Left in an Awkward Spot
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman, speaking to OLBG, noted that Charles seemed visibly uncomfortable as Trump began walking forward instead of standing still when prompted.
“As Charles walks up behind him, he is seen with a half-smile on his face, revealing that he is bemused,” Honigman explained. “The Monarch smooths his tie down, which can signify nervousness. He’s not sure what to do now — whether to correct Trump and potentially embarrass him, or to go along with what may be a break in protocol.”
According to Honigman, Trump appeared “oblivious” to the situation, convinced he was following the correct steps. At one point, Charles tried to step between Trump and the Guard, only to be blocked out again.
“The King’s hands are a little tense, and he’s really not sure how to resolve the situation,” Honigman said, adding that Charles shifted his weight from side to side, a subtle sign of unease.
A Subtle Solution
Ultimately, the King smoothed over the moment by placing a hand on Trump’s back, making it look as though the arrangement had been intentional. “That way, he makes it appear as if this was the plan all along,” Honigman said.
As the two men marched back to their seats, Charles walked slightly ahead once more, maintaining composure and restoring order to the proceedings.
