Earlier this week, a Trump spokesperson shared that the couple was “thrilled” about Kate being “front and centre” during the visit, something Melania’s warm approach seemed to highlight.
Still, some viewers thought the interaction among the three women looked uncomfortable. Comments on X included:
“Camilla went to speak with Melania but then Kate stepped in and they both shut out Camilla.”
“Camilla acted like the third wheel. She was a bit lost.”
“Camilla is soooo awkward in this situation.”
Others, however, insisted the trio appeared to be enjoying themselves. One person wrote: “What a fabulous photo! I do love Queen Camilla. I mean Catherine and Melania are gorgeous.” Another added: “Queen Camilla and Melania Trump [have known] each other for years,” punctuated with a heart emoji.
Questions Over Protocol
Some observers wondered whether Donald and Melania Trump may have already broken royal protocol on the first day of their visit.
During greetings, the president did not bow and the first lady did not curtsy when meeting the king and queen, nor did they do so with William and Kate.
For some, this appeared a major breach. But according to the royal family’s official website, they had nothing to worry about.
The site explains: “There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting a member of the royal family. But many people wish to observe the traditional forms.”
It clarifies: “For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”
The same point was highlighted back in 2018, when Trump was accused of breaking protocol for shaking Queen Elizabeth II’s hand instead of bowing.
