Trump fails to follow royal protocol as he meets Queen (VIDEO)
US President Donald Trump failed to impress the British during his visit to the UK, due to both his policies and the way he behaved with the Queen. He broke etiquette several times during his short meeting with the royal.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle to meet Queen Elizabeth II on Friday, becoming the fourth US president that the 92-year-old monarch has received at the palace, but the 11th that she has met during her reign.
The encounter got off to a bad start, as Trump failed to greet the Queen properly, omitting to offer a neck bow as required in official guidelines on the royal website. Melania also failed to perform the required “small curtsy.” The two rules are not obligatory, as the etiquette provides that “other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.” However, bowing and curtsying are considered good manners and are usually practiced by officials when meeting the royal family.
Minutes later, Trump showed bad manners again while inspecting the royal guard with the Queen. Trump both walked ahead of the Queen and turned his back to her as they walked past the guards.
This is hilarious. The Queen acting like she’s training one of her dogs as Trump struggles to master the art of walking. pic.twitter.com/M7tNwJFlOX
— SimonNRicketts (@SimonNRicketts) July 13, 2018
Some people accused Trump of running late for the meeting, making the 92-year old wait for his cortege. She was also seen checking her watch. However, he arrived on time and the Queen had just arrived earlier to meet the guests, according to British media.
Trump is tardy. Queen checks watch. Queen: Where is that nitwit?#QueenElizabeth#TrumpUK#TrumpVisitUKpic.twitter.com/O0RxGxZLBe
— NAFTA Posterchild (@RobsinBuda) July 13, 2018
Twitter erupted to accuse the US leader of disrespect, with some even calling Trump’s behavior a “national humiliation” and “an insult to Britain.” Many rushed to compare Trump’s short stay with his predecessors’ visits, some of whom stayed overnight at Buckingham Palace.
I’m not a monarchist by any stretch of the imagination but this is such an insult to Britain. Absolutely clueless, classless, thoughtless, lacking in any dignity and without a shred of respect. pic.twitter.com/RBFXe4yZ9H
— Matthew McGregor (@mcgregormt) July 13, 2018
Iconic photos of The Queen with American Presidents #TrumpVisitUK#TrumpProtestpic.twitter.com/srnhK5Cy2u
— Charlie Proctor (@MonarchyUK) July 13, 2018
I’m not a fan of the Queen, but the apparently casual disrespect shown by Trump in the nation she rules is breathtaking.
— Stuart (@wembley29) July 14, 2018
Trump and the Queen. HAHAAHA. she's like wtf? and hes like this is fine. pic.twitter.com/t03DmovHqL
— dPsy4 (@realSuperCrypto) July 14, 2018
If you are a gentleman, you assist a lady and let her come forward first. When that lady is a QUEEN, you can do extra, even if you are a head of state. But hey, he is Donald Trump! 😂 https://t.co/UaU4VY82GY
— goys valbuena (@OMGoys) July 14, 2018