Did Trump Slap Prince William’s Arms and Break Protocol During His Visit to UK King? What to Know

• Donald Trump’s recent visit to the UK stirred debate over royal protocol after footage showed him walking ahead of King Charles III and slapping Prince William’s arm
• While critics accused the president of breaching etiquette, royal sources confirmed his actions were in line with official protocol
• The incidents reignited public scrutiny over the balance between tradition and modern diplomacy

During his state visit to Britain, President Donald Trump faced criticism for appearing to walk ahead of King Charles III during the inspection of the guard of honour at Windsor Castle.

Social media users were quick to react, with Narinder Kaur, a former Big Brother star and television commentator, posting on X: “Oh god..he’s walking infront of the King, like Charles doesn’t even exist or matter!”

However, Newsweek reported that Trump’s actions were in line with official protocol. A royal source confirmed that it is customary for visiting heads of state to lead during such ceremonies.

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Footage from the Royal Dais in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle appeared to show King Charles beckoning Trump forward, further supporting the claim that the president was following the intended choreography.

Despite this, the optics of the moment drew attention, particularly in light of Trump’s previous visit to the UK, during which he was accused of breaching protocol by obstructing Queen Elizabeth II’s path.

Donald Trump slaps Prince William’s arm: breach of etiquette?

In a separate incident, UK tabloids including the Daily Express and Daily Mirror suggested that Trump may have breached royal protocol by slapping Prince William on the arm during their initial greeting.

The moment occurred shortly after Trump disembarked from Marine One in Windsor.

Traditionally, a bow is considered a more formal gesture when meeting members of the royal family. However, modern royal engagements often feature more relaxed interactions, including handshakes and even hugs.

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Prince William himself has demonstrated a light-hearted approach to public appearances, once joking during a group photo in October 2023: “Who is pinching my bottom?”

Given this context, commentators suggested that William was unlikely to have taken offence at Trump’s informal gesture.

The royal family’s official website states:

“There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms. For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”

Royal protocol: Formal rules vs public perception

The term “royal protocol” typically refers to formal, written rules governing interactions with the monarchy. Yet, breaches of informal etiquette often attract more public scrutiny.

In Trump’s case, both the walk ahead of King Charles and the slap on Prince William’s arm were interpreted differently depending on the observer’s understanding of royal customs.

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While Trump’s actions may have appeared unconventional, reports indicate that he adhered to official protocol throughout his visit.

Trump announces arrest of suspect who assassinated Kirk

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Donald Trump has confirmed the arrest of a suspect accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Speaking on Fox & Friends on Friday, 12 September, Trump said: “I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody,” Trump revealed.

He told the programme that he had been informed of the arrest just before going on air. “I heard that the suspect was in custody five minutes before I walked in,” Trump explained. Trump added that local authorities had “done a great job, everybody worked together saying: “it all worked out.”

Source: Legit.ng