King Charles was ‘clearly uneasy’ after what Trump did during state visit

Trump’s Return to the UK

Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK unfolded with full ceremony: Windsor motorcades, historic halls, and carefully timed greetings. After arriving Tuesday and overnighting at the castle, he and First Lady Melania Trump began a tightly planned Wednesday with King Charles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.

Day of Pageantry

The program featured private meetings, a military welcome, a Red Arrows flyover, and concluded with a glittering state banquet. Every element followed the polished script expected of such visits.

An Unscriped Moment

During the troop review, however, protocol briefly faltered. As King Charles appeared to gesture for Trump to pause, the president moved forward instead. Charles followed with a polite but restrained expression, recalling a similar 2019 incident with Queen Elizabeth.

Body Language Analysis

Body-language expert Inbaal Honigman suggested the king’s subtle gestures revealed tension. Smoothing his tie and holding himself stiffly, Charles seemed caught between correcting Trump or allowing the moment to pass.

Trump’s Confidence

Honigman added that Trump seemed unaware of the misstep, confidently assuming he was following protocol. Charles attempted to reposition himself but ultimately placed a guiding hand on Trump’s back, steering the moment back on track.

Protocol as Ritual

Troop inspections are symbolic rituals, where pacing and positioning matter. Cultural instincts often clash, turning minor slips into public debates about etiquette and perception.

Ceremony Meets Humanity

The episode highlighted how even the most choreographed events leave space for improvisation. With tact, Charles transformed a near-blunder into a seamless moment for the cameras.