Walks Ahead Of King, Skips Curtsy: Trump, Melania Stir Debate Online Over Royal Protocol

Last Updated:September 17, 2025, 21:42 IST

Within hours of landing in Windsor, Trump was seen walking ahead of King Charles while inspecting the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle

First Lady Melania Trump drew attention for not curtsying to Queen Camilla and Princess Kate upon arrival. (AFP photos)

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have sparked fresh debate over royal protocol after a series of eyebrow-raising moments during their state visit to the United Kingdom.

Within hours of landing in Windsor, Trump was seen walking ahead of King Charles III while inspecting the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle, a moment that quickly drew criticism online and reignited discussions about royal etiquette.

Trump Walks Ahead Of King

A video clip from the official welcome showed Trump walking several steps ahead of King Charles as they reviewed the troops. The footage prompted strong reactions on social media.

“Oh god.. he’s walking infront of the King, like Charles doesn’t even exist or matter!" wrote British TV commentator and former Big Brother contestant Narinder Kaur on X.

Another user remarked, “Donald trump leading the British army and walking infront of the king says it all."

Others accused the US President of showing disrespect. “Trump is a narcissist, he doesn’t think anyone else can be more important than him…" one person posted, while another called it “an insult to our King."

However, a royal source told Newsweek that it is actually protocol for a visiting head of state to lead the inspection.

Separate footage from the Windsor quadrangle appeared to show King Charles beckoning Trump to take the lead. One X user even pointed this out, writing, “Actually, if you listen, the King indicated to Trump to take the lead for the inspection! At least keep your posts accurate."

This wasn’t the first time Trump has drawn criticism for a similar gesture. During his 2019 visit, he also walked in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II. At the time, Buckingham Palace clarified that the act did not breach formal protocol.

Melania Skips The Curtsy

Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump drew attention for not curtsying to Queen Camilla and Princess Kate upon arrival.

Melania, dressed in a tailored Christian Dior suit and violet hat, walked confidently beside her husband as the royal party received them. She greeted the royals with a handshake, but made no attempt to perform the traditional curtsy.

However, royal historian Marlene Koenig clarified the matter, telling HELLO! Magazine that there is no expectation for foreign nationals to bow or curtsy.

“It’s not customary for Americans or indeed people from countries where King Charles is not the sovereign to curtsy or bow," she said. Koenig added that this dates back to the American Revolution and the belief that “all men are created equal." As such, gestures of deference are not aligned with American cultural values.

Protocol vs. Perception

While formal royal protocol outlines certain customs, many perceived slights, like walking ahead or skipping a curtsy, fall under unwritten expectations or public sentiment.

The royal family’s own website notes that “there are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting the Queen or a member of the Royal Family," but many people choose to observe traditional forms out of respect.

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