President Donald Trump briefly sparked attention after appearing to tap First Lady Melania Trump on the backside during a moment at the White House while welcoming King Charles III and Queen Camilla, a viral gesture caught on camera.
The incident unfolded during a formal red carpet reception for the British royals, part of a high-profile state visit marked by ceremonial welcomes, military honours and meetings set against the backdrop of a busy diplomatic programme, according to New York Post.
The arrival ceremony featured a formal red carpet welcome outside the White House, where President Trump and King Charles III exchanged a firm handshake as military honour guards lined the South Lawn ahead of their Oval Office meeting.
Melania Trump and Queen Camilla were scheduled to step away from the main diplomatic programme to meet students elsewhere in the White House, underscoring the softer cultural elements of the state visit.
Later in the day, King Charles is expected to address the United States Congress, becoming the first British monarch to do so in 35 years. President Trump described the moment as historic, saying, “No tribute could be more appropriate,” and added, “He’s going to be addressing Congress and I’m going to be watching,” Trump said.
He also reflected on protocol considerations, saying, “I was thinking of going but they said ‘I don’t know That might be a step too far I would love to go It’s not supposed to be protocol but I would love to be with you,” he said.
Framing the address as symbolically significant, Trump said, “But there, the direct descendant of King George III will speak to the direct successor of the very body that gathered in Independence Hall on July 4, 1776,” adding, “If John Adams and George Washington or the king’s fifth great-grandfather could see that sight, they might be absolutely shocked. But probably only for a moment. Surely, they would be delighted that the wounds of war healed into the most cherished friendship.”
The wider visit includes plans for a state dinner and congressional address, with Buckingham Palace confirming the trip would proceed despite brief security concerns following a shooting incident that raised fears over royal safety.