US President Donald Trump broke protocol by patting King Charles III on the shoulder. This was reported by The Daily Mail, describing the meeting between the monarch and his wife, Queen Camilla, with the American leader and first lady Melania.
The deviation from the unspoken rule not to initiate physical contact with a member of the royal family occurred during the royal couple's arrival at the White House on the first day of their state visit.
Video footage shows that after shaking hands and taking official photos, as the couple headed to the official residence of the American leader, he tactfully patted the monarch on the shoulder.
The newspaper quotes body language expert Judy James, who stated that while this could formally be considered a breach of protocol, the king apparently did not object.
“Charles has always seemed calmer about such things than his mother, James said. The expert saw this more as a “political gesture“, demonstrating the goodwill of the American leader.
The first state visit by the British monarch since 2007 will last until April 30.