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Expert weighs in as Donald Trump is accused of breaching royal protocol with 'disgraceful' act to King Charles

Home> News> UK News

Published 17:28 17 Sep 2025 GMT+1

Expert weighs in as Donald Trump is accused of breaching royal protocol with 'disgraceful' act to King Charles

Donald Trump was berated online for his actions

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton

A royal expert has weighed on whether Donald Trump broke protocol or not during his ongoing UK visit.

Trump is currently in the UK on a short trip to see King Charles and Queen Camilla.

He was greeted by Kate Middleton and Prince William in Windsor, with the future King of England going on to present him to his father, King Charles III.

The British Royal Family have pulled out all the stops for Trump and First Lady Melania, and around 1,500 troops are thought to have been involved in the ceremonial events throughout the day – almost double those on duty for the recent state visit of France’s President Emmanuel Macron.

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At one stage, Trump and the King carried out a military inspection where Trump was seen walking ahead of Charles.

Donald Trump visited King Charles III at Windsor Castle today (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Donald Trump visited King Charles III at Windsor Castle today (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

People were quick to suggest that the president was 'disrespectful' for walking in front of the King, and that he actually broke royal protocol.

Former royal butler Grant Harrold has since weighed in on this and revealed whether or not the POTUS actually did anything wrong.

Speaking on behalf of OLGBG, Harrold shared with UNILAD: "Contrary to reports during Trump’s first State Visit to the UK, it’s not actually a breach of royal protocol to walk in front of royals.

READ MORE:

TRUMP SEEMS TO BREAK ROYAL ETIQUETTE WHEN GREETING KING CHARLES

LONDON MAYOR SHARES STRONG MESSAGE TO TRUMP AS HE TAKES AIM AT 'TOXIC' STATE VISIT

"If you look back at previous State Visits, you see the likes of Clinton walking in front of Prince Philip. It’s the visiting Head of State who is receiving the military welcome, so it’s not unusual for them to be front and centre."

Donald and Melania Trump will be in England until September 18 (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Donald and Melania Trump will be in England until September 18 (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Harrold, who worked for the British monarchy for over seven years, further noted: "In terms of etiquette generally, Trump is the guest and this inspection is for him. Therefore it’s polite for the King to let his guest walk ahead and get the full impact of this powerful piece of British military tradition."

The former royal butler also weighed in on Trump and First Lady Melania failing to curtsy to the royals.

"It’s important to remember that certain royal rules - including bowing and curtsying - only apply to people in the UK and the Commonwealth," Harrold revealed, adding: "You bow to the title, not the person. So Trump doesn’t actually need to bow to the King."

You learn something new everyday!

Featured Image Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Topics: Donald Trump, Royal Family, News, UK News

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

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@niamhshackleton

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