Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK has once again drawn attention for moments of royal protocol being tested. Observers noticed that the American President’s tardiness and casual approach left King Charles visibly navigating the encounter with subtle, but telling, gestures.
During an inspection of the Guard of Honor, King Charles was seen gently steering Trump forward after the President paused to chat with a senior guard. Body language expert Judi James noted that the King’s hand on Trump’s back and small gestures of impatience reflected his effort to keep the event on schedule. James described it as “a moment of suppressed tetchiness,” caused by Charles anticipating a long conversation that could disrupt the program.
President @realDonaldTrump inspecting the Guard of Honor with King Charles 🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/OtFaUxKMyp
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) September 17, 2025
Trump reportedly arrived twenty-one minutes late for the ceremony, leaving the King waiting for nearly fifteen minutes. Lipreader Nola Hickling observed that Charles muttered “Go away” to someone off-camera during the delay. Social media had earlier reacted strongly when Trump walked ahead of the King to speak with a guard, prompting comments that he appeared to ignore royal hierarchy. The Palace later clarified that it is customary for a visiting head of state to take the lead in such inspections.
The public’s attention was also drawn to Melania Trump, who wore a striking canary yellow dress to a formal banquet. Vogue suggested the outfit may have been a deliberate statement aligning with her husband’s economic policies, contrasting sharply with the attire of attending royal women.
Trump at the state dinner: We had a very sick country one year ago. Today we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. In fact nobody is even questioning it.
Is there a greater embarrassment to America than Donald Trump? pic.twitter.com/PHK7AVCbGC
— Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00) September 17, 2025
Overall, the visit highlighted the delicate choreography of state ceremonies and the subtle ways King Charles managed moments where protocol and personalities intersected.