UPDATE: New insights reveal that during Donald Trump’s controversial visit to the UK in 2018, he breached royal protocol by stepping ahead of Queen Elizabeth II, but the Queen herself was reportedly unfazed by the incident. This revelation comes as Trump prepares for his second state visit to the UK, scheduled from September 17-19, 2023, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
In a special episode of Palace Confidential, royal correspondent Rebecca English discussed Trump’s anxious demeanor regarding royal protocol during his initial visit. Traditionally, the Queen leads the royal procession with others maintaining respectful distance. However, Trump’s actions sparked criticism, yet English emphasized, “of all the people who were offended by this, the one person who wasn’t offended was the Queen.”
Critics noted that Trump’s behavior during the visit resembled a casual stroll rather than a formal occasion, akin to “walking up and down a golf course.” This suggests he may have felt overwhelmed by the royal expectations. English stated, “I think it’s one of those cases where the people around the principal get more worked up than the principal does themselves.”
Further insights from royal biographer Robert Hardman reveal that the meeting, originally planned for 20 minutes, extended to 40 minutes as the Queen enjoyed their conversation. Hardman noted, “The visit had been scheduled to last 20 minutes but went on for 40,” indicating a warm rapport despite the protocol breach.
As Trump prepares for his upcoming visit, sources indicate that King Charles is concerned about potential protocol violations. There are discussions about hosting a state dinner, but Charles reportedly does not want to spend all three days with Trump and may enlist Sir Keir Starmer to engage the President during the remaining time.
This upcoming visit marks Trump’s first state visit since the 2018 controversy, raising questions about how the royal family will navigate potential protocol pitfalls. With the world watching closely, the stakes are high for both Trump and the British monarchy as they prepare for this significant diplomatic engagement.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The implications for US-UK relations are vital, and the royal family’s handling of Trump’s visit will likely draw significant attention worldwide.
