Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House on the initial day of their state visit. Upon their arrival at the White House’s South Lawn, they were welcomed by the President, exchanged greetings, and posed for photographs. During the interaction, Trump shook hands with the King and Melania greeted the Queen with kisses on both cheeks.

Subsequently, as they headed inside for a garden party, Trump tapped the King on the shoulder, breaching royal protocol which dictates no initiation of physical contact. Despite this breach, body language expert Judi James noted that the King did not seem bothered by the gesture. James interpreted the gesture as a sign of friendship and mentioned that the King appeared relaxed about the breach.

The handshake between Trump and the King was described as businesslike, lasting about eight seconds, while Melania’s warm cheek kisses added a friendly and familial touch to the welcome. This breach of royal protocol was not the first by Trump, who had previously been seen breaking protocol during interactions with British monarchs.

The state visit of the King and Queen followed a recent security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner; nevertheless, their visit proceeded as planned with a busy itinerary. Charles is scheduled to address Congress on Tuesday, marking the second time a British monarch has done so, after his mother in 1991.