During the US President's three-day state visit to the UK, First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump chose not to bow or curtsy to senior members of the Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Instead, they greeted them with handshakes, a gesture permitted by royal protocol.
The Royal Family's official website states: 'There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting the Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.' It notes that men may perform a neck bow and women a small curtsy, but handshakes are also acceptable.
Social media users criticised the Trumps for the perceived snub, with comments such as 'neither Melania Trump or Donald Trump curtsied or bowed to the queen' and 'imagine not bowing or curtsying to the Queen.' However, former President Barack Obama also opted for a handshake during a 2016 visit to Windsor Castle.
The Trumps' arrival at Buckingham Palace included a ceremonial welcome, and later they visited Westminster Abbey with Prince Andrew. A wreath was laid at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The couple also had afternoon tea with Prince Charles and Camilla at Clarence House, again exchanging handshakes.
The state visit continues with a banquet at Buckingham Palace, where Mr Trump and the Queen will speak, and a meeting with business leaders alongside Prime Minister Theresa May. On the final day, Mr Trump will join the Queen and Prince Charles to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
