UPDATE: President Donald Trump has sparked conversation after breaking royal protocol during his arrival at Windsor ahead of a state banquet in his honor. As he and First Lady Melania Trump disembarked from Marine One, they were warmly welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
In a moment that caught the attention of lip reader Nicola Hickling, Trump greeted Prince William with the unexpected phrase: “Hello, my friend, how are ya?” This casual interaction, reported by Daily Express UK, highlights the President’s comfort level with the British royals.
Adding to the informality, Trump was observed giving William a friendly pat on the arm after their handshake. Such gestures are typically considered a breach of royal etiquette, where only handshakes or bows are expected. However, it appears that Prince William, known for his more relaxed approach to royal customs, did not take offense.
Additionally, Trump’s first words to Princess Kate were, “Hello, this is a relief,” further indicating the casual tone of the reception. The couple’s warm exchanges precede a lavish evening planned by the royal family. After the greeting, Trump and the First Lady proceeded to Victoria House on the Windsor estate, where King Charles and Queen Camilla awaited their arrival.
The state banquet will host approximately 160 guests, offering an extravagant display of pageantry. Following their initial meeting, the monarch and Trump shared the Irish State Coach, while the Queen and First Lady traveled in the Scottish State Coach. The royal procession included a stately escort of 80 soldiers from the House Cavalry Mounted Regiment and personnel from various branches of the military, all lined along a route closed to the public.
As this story develops, the implications of Trump’s informal demeanor and its reception by the royal family could resonate beyond this event. The warmth displayed raises questions about the evolving nature of royal interactions with global leaders.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow this unfolding story from Windsor, where tradition meets modern diplomacy.