Donald Trump seemed a bit “over-awed” during his inspection of the Guard of Honour on his second state visit to the UK, with Prince Charles having to subtly nudge him forward. The President was treated to an unparalleled display of military grandeur and ceremony as his historic visit kicked off with a spectacular ceremonial welcome.
The day included a carriage procession through the grounds of Windsor Castle, escorted by 80 mounted soldiers, and a 120-strong Guard of Honour—the largest ever for a state visit in living memory. In the castle’s quadrangle, which has hosted welcomes for leaders from around the world, the president inspected the Guard of Honour and, following protocol, walked in front of the King, accompanied by the captain of the guard, Lieutenant Colonel Storm Green, with Charles a few steps behind.
Sky News presenter Sarah-Jane Mee observed the unusual sight of the US president, typically known for his commanding presence, being discreetly guided along the line by the monarch after seeming unsure of the protocol.
She said: “There was a moment where the president was inspecting the guard of honour and had to have a gentle chivvy along from the King, who placed his hand on the president’s back to move him along the line. There’s a lot crammed into a small window for this state visit, but perhaps it was a sign that the president was over-awed by the occasion.”
Sky News’ International Affairs Editor Dominic Waghorn observed that Trump, typically self-assured in virtually any situation, appeared less certain within the highly ceremonial surroundings.
He said: “We’re used to seeing this man with a commanding presence wherever he is. He’s the alpha male in whatever room or arena, normally very confident about his physical presence.
“But ironically, in a castle with this kind of environment, he had slightly lost it. It’s not comfortable territory, and so he wasn’t quite sure where he should be putting himself.”
The former president’s latest journey represents his second official state visit to Britain, following his 2019 visit when he met Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
That previous occasion generated headlines after Trump controversially walked ahead of the late Queen during a ceremonial inspection—a breach of Royal protocol.
On this occasion, whilst he seemed tentative rather than improper, the encounter with King Charles nonetheless offered an unusual glimpse of uncertainty.
“Unless you’re a king or a soldier trained for this, it’s a fairly strange environment to be in,” Dominic added. “He wasn’t entirely sure where he should be putting himself, but he was clearly loving it.”