King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States yesterday for a state visit marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. They were greeted at the White House by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, just days after an assassination attempt on the US President. Mr Trump and the First Lady escaped unscathed after gunfire erupted at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday evening.
The Handshake That Captured Attention
Footage shared on social media platform X shows the moment President Trump extended his hand as the King stepped out of the vehicle. The two shook hands, and the clip reveals a jerking motion as Mr Trump appeared to attempt his infamous 'power move' handshake—a technique where he grips tightly and pulls the other person toward him, often interpreted as a dominance display. However, King Charles seemed prepared and resisted the pull, drawing his own hand back. Social media users praised the monarch's composure.
One user commented: "Proud of King Charles. You can clearly see the tugging in the handshake, the King pulled back more than once as well." Another wrote: "The Royals have had far too much practice at hand-shaking for the Orange Lunatic to try that with them." A third added: "He's a professional, Trump can learn from a real king!"
Protocol and Body Language
Mr Trump was also accused of breaking royal protocol by touching the King on the arm as they walked into the White House. Some believe that no one should initiate physical contact with the monarch. However, the Royal Family's official website states there are no obligatory codes of behaviour—only courtesy. Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail: "This touch on the arm as they walked in also looked like a more political gesture. It was also the first real gesture of active, 'special' friendship here from a rather more subdued Trump than the very effusive rituals we saw during their last meeting [in September 2025]. Charles has always seemed more relaxed about that than his mother, and Trump's gesture was extremely tempered for Trump. Just a light, tentative and rather polite touch to steer Charles inside."
The State Visit Agenda
After the White House welcome, the King and Queen attended a garden party at the British embassy in Washington. Today, they will receive a ceremonial welcome on the South Lawn before King Charles delivers a historic address to a joint meeting of Congress. The speech, expected to last 20 minutes and written on government advice, will emphasise that despite occasional disagreements, the UK and USA have always found ways to come together. The King will also highlight the generosity of spirit and duty to foster compassion and peace. He is expected to address the Trump administration's recent mockery of the "big, bad Royal Navy" following US military action in Iran, quietly reminding his audience that defence, intelligence and security ties between the two nations are measured in decades.
