President Donald Trump has always been a big fan of the Royal Family. Yet, with that said, royal protocl doesn’t seem to be one of his main readings. During an outing with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House, Trump did something towards the queen that has people branding him “classless.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s 4-day state visit to the U.S. is of great importance back home, not least after the two countries’ relationship has worsened in recent months.
The hope was that the royal visit would help mend relations between the two countries, and King Charles made an effort to do just that on Tuesday, speaking before Congress.
“Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulder – because the modern relationship between our two Nations and our own peoples spans not merely 250 years, but over four centuries. It is extraordinary to think that I am the nineteenth in our line of Sovereigns to study, with daily attention, the affairs of America,” King Charles said.
On Tuesday morning, an official welcome ceremony took place on the South Lawn, where King Charles and President Donald Trump inspected several military units, including the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard.
It also marked the first time the United States Space Force Honor Guard appeared at a White House event. The ceremonial military review took place. It represents the highest honor that the U.S extends to any visiting head of state.
Trump branded “classless” over behavior towards Queen Camilla
Still, it was not the ceremony itself that got people talking. Instead, social media quickly focused on a tense exchange involving Queen Camilla.
In the clip, the Queen, dressed in a bright lime-green coat and matching hat, is seen greeting a line of delegates outside the White House. As she shakes hands, President Trump suddenly steps in front of her and begins greeting the same people himself.
The move seemed to leave Queen Camilla standing behind him, unable to continue greeting guests, while King Charles and the First Lady watched nearby.
The footage has since gone viral online, with many viewers calling the moment disrespectful and expressing their anger online.
On social media, people were furious, with one user writing: “He has no idea how to show respect and some class to others. I mean, HE INVITED THEM HERE! They should be shown the courtesy of going first. Ladies always should be first. He has no clue.”
Social media erupts
Another person claimed: “Do you notice the look on Camilla’s face, if looks could kill Trump would be dead.”
A third user shared a flashback to President Trump’s first term, when he met the late Queen Elizabeth II. Then, during his U.K state visit, he famously stepped in front of her, blocking her path. The user wrote: “Well, did we honestly expect anything different this time?”
A fourth user commented, Trump always wants to be the centre of attention even when protocol and politeness demand otherwise. He is a rude narcissist.” And another said: “He really is genetically incapable of not acting like a giant buffoon.”