Former President Donald Trump has ignited outrage in the United Kingdom after allegedly breaching royal protocol during a private engagement with King Charles III. According to reports, Trump placed his hand on the King’s shoulder and attempted to guide him during a photo opportunity — a move widely described in British media as “disgraceful” and “deeply disrespectful.” The Independent confirmed that palace officials were “visibly unsettled” by the gesture.
Trump, who was in London for a series of meetings, appeared unfazed at the time, smiling broadly as cameras clicked. But behind the scenes, aides to the monarch were reportedly “appalled.” One source told The Telegraph: “It was a shocking breach of etiquette. The King does not need to be manhandled.”
The moment drew immediate comparisons to Trump’s 2018 state visit, when he was criticized for walking in front of Queen Elizabeth II. Royal watchers say this latest incident reinforces perceptions that Trump has little regard for centuries-old customs. BBC analysis described the act as “a serious faux pas that will be remembered.”
Trump did it again. First he walked in front of the Queen. Now he touches King Charles. A disgrace. — @RoyalCentral
Observers noted the King maintained composure, continuing with the event without reaction. But royal protocol experts say such gestures are far from trivial. “The monarchy is built on symbolism,” explained Ingrid Seward, editor of *Majesty Magazine*, in comments to Daily Mail. “To touch or steer the King in public is to diminish that symbolism.”
British politicians quickly weighed in. Labour MP Chris Bryant blasted the act as “an embarrassment on the world stage,” while Conservative peers urged calm, saying it was likely ignorance rather than malice. The Guardian reported that royal aides are considering whether to privately convey their displeasure to Trump’s team.
Protocol exists for a reason. Trump’s behavior toward King Charles was disgraceful. It demeans the office of President and disrespects our monarchy. — @PiersMorgan
For many in Britain, the act reawakened frustrations over Trump’s past behavior with the royal family. During his presidency, critics accused him of showing little deference to tradition. This latest controversy, though less formal, is being seen as confirmation that old habits remain. CNN reports that palace staff had carefully briefed Trump on protocol in advance, making the breach even more glaring.
Reactions on social media have been ferocious. Royalists called the moment “cringe-inducing,” while Trump supporters dismissed it as overblown. One viral post on X read: “British elites are angry Trump touched Charles. Americans are angry Charles exists. Both sides are right.”
Imagine thinking you can shove the King of England around like a golf buddy. Trump’s arrogance knows no borders. — @jk_rowling
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment officially, in keeping with tradition, but sources stressed the King remains focused on his constitutional duties. Still, the controversy threatens to overshadow Trump’s London trip, which he had hoped would emphasize his statesmanship on the international stage. Instead, as Financial Times noted, the headline is one of “arrogance, not diplomacy.”
For Trump, who has often relished breaking norms, the uproar may only add to his populist image at home. But for Britain, where protocol underpins monarchy’s mystique, the breach is being viewed as nothing short of an insult. Whether King Charles himself shares that view remains a mystery — but in the court of public opinion, the verdict is already in.
