Donald Trump is set to meet the King and Queen in Windsor tomorrow, with the US President flying into the UK later today. Despite being a major public figure in America, Donald Trump is still required to follow a few royal protocols when meeting the monarch.
According to the royal website, there is “no obligatory codes of behaviour” but those meeting the King are required to greet him in a polite manner. The website also states that some may wish to greet the 76-year-old in a more traditional way.
Speaking of those who meet the King, the website states that for men, “this is a neck bow – from the head only” and women may “do a small curtsy”. Other people may simply prefer “to shake hands in the usual way”.
There are a few ‘do’s’ and do not’s’ when it comes to meeting the King, however, which will be followed by Trump this week.
David Johnston, the governor general of Canada at the time, was caught out for ‘touching’ the late Queen back in 2017.
He placed his hand under the Queen’s elbow as she descended a flight of steps, despite royal protocol dictating that nobody should touch the monarch.
Back in 1992, Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating was snapped putting his arm around the monarch during her royal tour of the country. After seeing the breaking of royal protocol, the BBC reported him as the “Lizard of Oz”.
President Trump will then be required to address the King as ‘Your Royal Highness’ on the first occasion, and then ‘sir’ going forward.
He will also not be required to arrive before the King, to not speak unless he is spoken to or sit or eat until he has.
Trump, who will fly back to the US on Thursday, also must never turn his back on the King or leave before he does.