Donald Trump has once again ignited a storm in Britain after appearing to breach royal protocol during a greeting with King Charles III. The former president, who was visiting London for high-profile meetings, was filmed clasping the King’s hand firmly before pulling him closer and patting him on the back — a gesture that royal experts quickly branded a violation of etiquette. The Independent reported that palace aides looked visibly uncomfortable during the exchange.
The incident comes just weeks after Trump was criticized for placing his hand on the King’s shoulder at a separate event, which commentators had already described as “disgraceful.” This second breach has fueled outrage among royal watchers, who see it as evidence that Trump has little regard for the centuries-old traditions of the monarchy. The Telegraph noted that while the King remained composed, the moment left observers cringing.
First he touched the Queen. Then he put his hand on Charles’ shoulder. Now Trump pulls the King closer. He never learns. — @RoyalCentral
Royal protocol dictates that members of the public — including world leaders — should not initiate physical contact with the monarch beyond a handshake. According to BBC analysis, Trump’s repeated breaches are unusual, even by the looser standards afforded to heads of state. “It undermines the dignity of the Crown,” said royal historian Anna Whitelock. “It might seem trivial, but in Britain, this matters.”
British media outlets seized on the footage, with tabloids running headlines accusing Trump of “manhandling” the King. Daily Mail described the move as “clumsy and disrespectful,” while The Guardian argued it highlighted Trump’s “swaggering disregard” for protocol.
Reactions online were swift and furious. Critics accused Trump of arrogance, while his supporters dismissed the uproar as media overreaction. One viral post read: “Brits furious Trump touched the King. Americans furious they still have a King. Everyone’s mad for different reasons.”
You don’t yank a King around like a golf buddy. Trump’s arrogance on full display again. — @jk_rowling
Buckingham Palace has not commented, in line with its policy of avoiding public disputes, but sources close to the royal household told Financial Times that staff were “exasperated” by the former president’s behavior. Insiders stressed, however, that the King is unlikely to address the matter directly.
For Trump, the controversy is the latest in a long line of breaches involving the royal family. In 2018, he was criticized for walking in front of Queen Elizabeth II during a review of the Guard. With King Charles, the missteps appear to be repeating. CNN reports that even after repeated protocol briefings, Trump “does things his own way.”
Trump has now broken royal etiquette with both Elizabeth II and Charles III. Twice. The message is clear: he doesn’t care. — @PiersMorgan
As Britain debates whether these gestures are clumsy mistakes or deliberate defiance, the moment underscores once again how Trump manages to turn even formal ceremonies into spectacles. For the King, the incident will be endured with quiet dignity. For Trump, the headlines — good or bad — seem to follow him everywhere.
