Trump and Melania Skip Bow for King Charles
Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House during the royal couple’s US state visit, prompting renewed discussion about whether Americans are expected to bow or curtsy when meeting the monarch.
During the welcome outside the South Portico, the couples exchanged handshakes and posed for photographs, and Mirror reported that there are “no obligatory codes of behaviour” when meeting members of the Royal Family, citing the Royal Family’s official guidance that many people simply shake hands.
The Mirror account described King Charles exiting his car first before the President stepped forward to greet him, with Queen Camilla also shaking hands and appearing to smile and nod as she met Mr Trump. The report noted online criticism from some observers who accused the Trumps of “breaking protocol” by not bowing or curtsying, as well as comments about who walked ahead during the arrival.
The guidance referenced in the report says traditional forms are optional, including a neck bow for men and a small curtsy for women, but that alternatives are accepted. The moment came as the King and Queen began a high-profile programme in Washington, following wider coverage of their US trip, including the decision to continue with the visit amid security concerns.
As the state visit continues, attention is likely to remain on the ceremonial details of the King’s engagements and the optics of meetings with US political leaders, even as official protocol allows for flexibility in how guests show respect.
