Trump’s shoulder tap of King Charles raises protocol questions

Donald Trump and Melania Trump welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House on Monday, April 27, where a brief breach of royal protocol drew attention during an otherwise formal reception.

After greeting the royal couple on the South Lawn with handshakes and cheek kisses, the two pairs posed for photographs before heading inside for tea in the Green Room. As they turned to enter the residence, Trump tapped King Charles on the shoulder and lightly touched his arm while guiding him indoors — a gesture considered a breach of longstanding royal protocol, which discourages initiating physical contact with a monarch, as per British media.

Body language expert Judi James described the moment as a subtle but notable sign of familiarity, adding that while it technically broke protocol, the gesture appeared restrained and polite. She noted that King Charles seemed unbothered, in contrast to the stricter standards observed by Queen Elizabeth II.

The meeting took place amid heightened security concerns following a recent breach at a White House Correspondents' event days earlier.

The visit is part of a broader state itinerary that includes meetings, a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence, and a planned address by King Charles to the US Congress — only the second such address by a British monarch after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

By Tamilla Hasanova