During Donald Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom in September 2025, King Charles III hosted the U.S. President and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle. The highly publicized visit included a military procession, a Red Arrows flyover, and a grand state banquet.
However, a body language expert suggested that King Charles was visibly uneasy during a key moment of the ceremonies. As Trump and the King prepared to review the troops together, things took a surprising turn. Trump began walking ahead, breaking the usual royal protocol of the monarch leading or walking alongside, much like during Trump’s 2019 visit.
Inbaal Honigman, a body language specialist, noted that King Charles gestured for Trump to stop and stand still, but the President continued walking. This caused the monarch to be left behind, visibly bemused and smoothing his tie nervously—a classic sign of discomfort.
The King was faced with a difficult choice: correct Trump’s breach of protocol and risk embarrassing him publicly, or adapt and go along with it. Charles attempted to regain control by positioning himself between Trump and the guard but was again blocked when Trump moved forward.
To ease the tension, King Charles placed a hand on Trump’s back, giving the impression that the irregularity was part of a planned act. He repeated this gesture to soothe the President as they returned to their seats, before walking ahead once more.
The expert concluded that Trump seemed oblivious to the breach while King Charles managed his visible unease with composure and grace, embodying the delicate balance of royal protocol and diplomatic sensitivity during a visit watched worldwide.
This moment highlighted the complexities involved in maintaining traditions when facing unprecedented personalities, and the careful diplomacy required in state visits today.
