The British royal family is rarely far from public discussion, and this time the focus fell on Princess Catherine, King Charles, and an alleged breach of etiquette during a ceremonial welcome for former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. In royal tradition, even the smallest gestures carry significance, and when a curtsy or bow appears absent, debate quickly ignites. A curtsy is not simply a graceful bend of the knee; it symbolizes recognition, loyalty, and centuries of tradition.
Yet at Windsor Castle, questions arose when Melania Trump refrained from curtsying, and Donald Trump offered a military salute during the U.S. national anthem. To some, these choices highlighted the contrast between American informality and the formality of British protocol.
The Trumps arrived by helicopter—Marine One—touching down on the castle grounds on a Wednesday afternoon. They were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who accompanied them toward the official receiving line with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Observers were quick to notice that, during the first exchanges of greetings, neither Donald nor Melania bowed or curtsied. Instead, they extended handshakes. In one moment, Donald Trump appeared to tug Princess Catherine slightly toward him, whether intentional or not, sparking comments online that the princess looked uncomfortable. One viewer wrote, “Poor Catherine. Her body language says it all—he’s gripping her hand far too tightly.”
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Inside Windsor Castle, as Charles and Camilla formally welcomed the American visitors, both Trumps once again chose handshakes rather than the expected gestures of deference. While this was unusual, it did not technically breach royal guidelines, since foreign dignitaries are not required to bow or curtsy. Still, such decisions carry symbolic weight, and the absence of tradition was noticed.
The more controversial moment came during the playing of the U.S. national anthem. As the band struck up the familiar tune, Donald Trump raised his hand in a military salute. The act immediately drew criticism across social media. While he had saluted on other occasions during his presidency, critics argued that the setting—the forecourt of Windsor Castle—made the move inappropriate. For many, it blurred the lines between honoring his own nation and adhering to international ceremonial custom.
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Adding to the drama, Trump appeared to walk several paces ahead of King Charles while being escorted around the grounds. Footage showed the monarch seemingly irked as he tried to catch up. Online, users recalled a similar moment in 2019 when Trump, during his first state visit, strode ahead of Queen Elizabeth II, causing a storm of commentary. Some critics quipped, “Trump leads, Charles follows,” while others joked that the American president seemed intent on acting as commander of the British troops during the inspection.
These were not isolated incidents. During his 2019 state banquet with Queen Elizabeth, Trump was criticized for placing his hand on the monarch’s back—an overly familiar gesture by royal standards. In 2018, his choice to shake hands instead of bowing also drew headlines. Although palace protocol allows foreign leaders to forgo bows or curtsies, the gestures remain symbolically powerful, embodying continuity, respect, and tradition. The Trumps’ preference for handshakes highlighted a distinctly American approach to diplomacy, emphasizing equality and informality.
The salute, however, was different. It placed Trump at the center of a wider cultural debate about where personal pride ends and adherence to established norms begins. Though unlikely to result in diplomatic fallout, it was yet another reminder of how symbolic actions can overshadow substantive discussions.
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Beyond the etiquette controversies, attention also shifted to Trump’s health. At seventy-nine, his demeanor, walking style, and mental sharpness have been frequent topics of speculation. On several occasions, his right hand has been photographed with visible bruises. Official explanations attributed the marks to the strain of daily handshakes, but critics suspected more serious medical issues. Concerns intensified when photographs with King Charles and Queen Camilla showed what appeared to be makeup applied to conceal discoloration on his hand. Similar attempts at concealment had been noticed in the Oval Office weeks earlier, fueling speculation that the president was battling health problems behind the scenes.
Against this backdrop, fashion also took its share of the spotlight. Princess Catherine chose a maroon Amelia Wickstead dress, complemented by a Jane Taylor hat and a brooch once worn by Princess Diana—a subtle nod to continuity within the monarchy. Prince William was sharply dressed in a classic black suit with a crisp white shirt. Melania Trump appeared in a fitted dark gray skirt suit with a peplum jacket and black heels, maintaining her reputation for polished, structured ensembles. Donald Trump wore a navy suit, paired with a white shirt and dark tie, opting for his familiar, traditional style.
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Later in the day, the official ceremonial procession unfolded with grand spectacle. Featuring 120 horses, 1,300 British troops, and a joint U.S.–UK military flyover, the event echoed the pomp of Trump’s 2019 state visit. That earlier occasion had also been marked by scrutiny over protocol and etiquette, yet once again, this visit demonstrated how such formalities remain fertile ground for global headlines.
Ultimately, the Windsor Castle reception proceeded without major disruption, but the controversies over bows, curtsies, handshakes, and salutes underscored a truth about the modern monarchy and public diplomacy: in an age where symbolism often outweighs substance, even the smallest gestures can dominate the news cycle. Whether through deliberate choices or accidental slips, these moments remind us that tradition, respect, and perception remain at the heart of the royal stage.
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