Donald Trump and Melania Trump have spent considerable time alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla in recent days, with their interactions appearing friendly on the surface. Yet despite the cordial atmosphere, one detail has drawn strong reactions from observers—Trump’s physical gestures toward the royals, which some viewers have interpreted as inappropriate.
The backdrop to the visit adds another layer to the situation. Relations between the United States and the United Kingdom have shown signs of strain in recent months, particularly in connection with the Iran conflict. Trump’s rhetoric toward Britain has at times been notably sharp. He previously referred to Keir Starmer as a “loser” for declining to support U.S. military efforts, adding that Starmer was “no Churchill.” When asked more recently about the state of relations, Trump remarked bluntly, “Not good, not good at all.”
Against that backdrop, the state visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla carries clear diplomatic weight. Such visits are often designed not only to reinforce alliances but also to ease tensions through symbolic gestures and public messaging. During his address to Congress, King Charles leaned into that role, emphasizing the depth of the historical relationship between the two nations.
“Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulder – because the modern relationship between our two Nations and our own peoples spans not merely 250 years, but over four centuries. It is extraordinary to think that I am the nineteenth in our line of Sovereigns to study, with daily attention, the affairs of America,” King Charles said.
“So, I come here today with the highest respect for the United States Congress; this citadel of democracy created to represent the voice of all American people to advance sacred rights and freedoms,” he continued.
“Speaking in this renowned chamber of debate and deliberation, I cannot help but think of my late mother, Queen Elizabeth, who, in 1991, was also afforded this signal honor and similarly spoke under the watchful eye of the Statue of Freedom above us. Today, I am here on this great occasion in the life of our Nations to express the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States.”
Although Trump has often expressed admiration for the Royal Family, some critics argue that his approach during the visit did not fully align with traditional expectations of royal etiquette. Notably, while bowing is not required when meeting British royals, there is a long-standing convention regarding physical contact: it should be limited and typically initiated by the royal.Family
