A source from the palace has clarified the situation regarding whether Donald Trump violated protocol during a significant moment at Windsor Castle today.
Upon his second state visit to the UK, President Trump and First Lady Melania were welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales before reuniting with the King and Queen following a carriage ride through Windsor. Subsequently, a Guard of Honour comprising the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards presented a royal salute, accompanied by the playing of the US and UK national anthems.
Afterwards, Lt Col Storm Green, the Captain of the Guard of Honour, invited the President to inspect the custom Guard of Honour, which included soldiers from Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, No 7 Company Coldstream Guards, and F Company Scots Guards.
During the inspection, Mr. Trump showed keen interest as he walked past the soldiers, with the King following tradition a few steps behind. As the inspection concluded, the President thanked Lt Col Green warmly before being humorously reminded by the monarch to watch the sword raised by the Guard of Honour captain.
In a previous state visit, Mr. Trump received criticism for walking ahead of the Queen during a similar inspection, despite royal sources defending his actions. Today, he once again walked ahead of the King, but palace sources, as reported by The Telegraph, confirmed that it did not breach tradition.
Subsequently, at the dais, the King and President observed a march past by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Sovereign’s Escort, and the Guard of Honour, appearing to have a positive interaction.
While the Queen and First Lady engaged in conversation, the staff from the royal household and the White House watched the proceedings at the Equerries Entrance. The King and President then led the royal party to the Sovereign’s Entrance of the Castle for a private lunch.
Security remains a top priority for President Trump, especially given his history of assassination attempts. The day’s events also included a visit to Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, lunch with the royal family, a ceremonial Beating Retreat with a flypast of UK and US F-35 fighter jets and the Red Arrows, culminating in a grand state banquet.
The Trumps will spend the night at the historic castle as guests of the King and Queen, although large protests are anticipated during his visit. Tomorrow, talks are scheduled with Keir Starmer at the Prime Minister’s residence, Chequers, where discussions on possible tariff relief for UK steel may take place.