Featured Image Credit: Ian Vogler - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Topics: News, US News, Melania Trump, Donald Trump, Royal Family
Gerrard Kaonga
Topics: News, US News, Melania Trump, Donald Trump, Royal Family
Some people watching The Trumps' historic state visit to the UK this week have picked up on the fact that Melania failed to curtsy when greeting members of the royal family - but did she actually do anything wrong?
Donald Trump and Melania were greeted by Kate Middleton and Prince William in Windsor yesterday (September 17) as part of their second state visit to the UK, with the future King of England going on to present Trump to his father, King Charles III.
During their greetings, some questioned the behavior of First Lady Melania as they noticed she did not curtsy while shaking hands with Charles or his wife Queen Camila, nor did she when speaking with William or Kate.
While people on social media began suggesting the pair had been disrespectful, this isn’t the case, according to the royal family’s official website.
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Regarding whether royal protocol had been broken, the website states: “There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms."
It goes on to explain the traditions of addressing the royals.
It explains: “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.
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“On presentation to The Queen, the correct formal address is 'Your Majesty' and subsequently 'Ma'am,' pronounced with a short 'a,' as in 'jam'.
“For male members of the Royal Family the same rules apply, with the title used in the first instance being 'Your Royal Highness' and subsequently 'Sir'.
“For other female members of the Royal Family the first address is conventionally 'Your Royal Highness' and subsequently 'Ma'am'.”
So, the bottom line is that Melania didn't actually break any rules and wasn't obligated to curtsy to anyone.
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With that said, some people have also taken issue with Trump’s apparent disrespect while he and Charles carried out a military inspection.
Trump was seen walking ahead of the King and a former royal butler weighed in on the comments that had been flying around about this being a no-no.
Grant Harrold told 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.
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"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 center."