Eagle-Eye Alert: Melania Trump Shakes, Not Curtsies, with Royals!
THE TRUMP'S ROYAL RUMBLE: MELANIA SKIPS THE CURTSY, BUT CHARLES AND CAMILLA GET A WARM WELCOME
In a shocking turn of events, Melania Trump, 55, ditched tradition and opted for a simple handshake when meeting King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle today. The First Lady's decision to forego the customary curtsy has left royal fans scratching their heads, but it seems Donald Trump, 79, wasn't about to follow suit either.
The President and his wife arrived at the historic state visit a tad late, with Melania making a stylish entrance in a stunning Christian Dior Haute Couture dark gray skirt suit that flared out at the waist. The blonde beauty paired her outfit with a wide-brimmed wool hat in a bold purple hue, which added a pop of color to her overall look.
But while Melania's fashion choices were on point, it seems she was more interested in getting down to business than playing by the royal rules. As she walked alongside Donald, Prince William, and Kate Middleton in the Walled Garden on the Windsor estate, there was no sign of the traditional curtsy that usually accompanies a meeting with the monarch.
In fact, neither Melania nor Donald Trump bothered to bow before Charles, Queen Camilla, or Kate and William at the start of their historic state visit. While members of the public, politicians, and even junior members of the royal family observe tradition when greeting the King and Queen, there's no requirement for visiting heads of state to do so.
According to the Royal Family website, there's no obligation for members of the public to curtsy or bow to members of the Royal Family. However, many people choose to follow tradition out of respect. For men, this means a neck bow, while women opt for a small curtsy – but shaking hands is perfectly acceptable.
It's not the first time Melania has skipped the curtsy, either. During their first state visit in 2019, Trump briefly nodded his head to the late Queen Elizabeth II, but Melania didn't bother to curtsy.
And she's not alone in her decision to forego tradition. In 2009, Michelle Obama reportedly curtsied when she first met Queen Elizabeth II in her private apartments, but made headlines by deciding to shake hands instead of curtsying during the Buckingham Palace reception.
But while Melania may have been a bit too casual for royal protocol, it seems King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were just as guilty. During their state visit in 2017, they met Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip without curtsying or bowing.
Despite the slightly awkward start to the day, it's clear that Charles and Camilla are eager to make a good impression on their American visitors. The King and Queen greeted the Trumps outside Victoria House with smiles and waves, while Kate Middleton looked stunning in an Emilia Wickstead dress and Jane Taylor hat.
As for Donald, he's clearly bringing his A-game to the trip. Alongside his daughter Tiffany Trump, 31, and her husband Michael Boulos, 28, the President is making a splash on the Windsor estate. But noticeably absent from the proceedings are Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner – sparking speculation about their relationship with the rest of the family.
Sources close to the Trumps have revealed that they're eager to make a big impression on the UK, with plans for a state dinner and carriage procession through the Windsor estate. And with major financial commitments worth "tens of billions" of dollars on the table, it's clear that this trip is all about business as usual – with a healthy dose of pageantry thrown in for good measure.
As one Washington insider told thescholarlynote.com, "Trump loves pomp and circumstance, and nobody does it better than the British." With Windsor Castle stepping in for Buckingham Palace, which is currently undergoing renovations, the Trumps are being treated to the full royal welcome – complete with carriage procession, state dinner, and plenty of fanfare.
But amidst all the glamour and glitz, there's a more serious agenda at play. Donald Trump is expected to announce major trade agreements worth billions, as well as potential deals on defense and nuclear technology. And with Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to meet with the President today, it's clear that there's a lot riding on this state visit.
As the day draws to a close, one thing is certain: the Trumps are making headlines – and causing a stir in the royal family along the way. Whether you're Team Melania or Team Donald, one thing's for sure: this trip is going to be one for the history books.