During former President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom, a series of missteps and perceived breaches of royal protocol reportedly tested the patience of King Charles III. The visit, marked by delays, awkward body language, and a subtle physical nudge, quickly became the center of widespread media attention, with body language experts and lip readers dissecting every moment.

Trump’s Tardiness Causes Awkward Start

One of the more talked-about moments of the visit came when Trump reportedly arrived 21 minutes late to a ceremony at Windsor Castle. King Charles, who had arrived on time, was left waiting for the former U.S. president—something that is generally frowned upon in royal tradition.

While it’s common courtesy for world leaders to be punctual during formal engagements, especially those involving royalty, Trump’s delay was seen by many as a breach of protocol and a sign of disrespect. The moment set the tone for a tense and, at times, uncomfortable appearance alongside the King.

King Charles Gently Guides Trump During Inspection

Body language experts noted several signs that King Charles was growing increasingly irritated throughout the event. Judi James, a well-known body language analyst, pointed out a particularly telling moment during the inspection of the Guard of Honor. As Trump appeared to become engrossed in conversation with one of the guards, King Charles stepped in.

Rather than wait for the former president to wrap up his chat, the King took a more hands-on approach—literally. He placed his left hand on Trump’s back and gestured forward with his right, encouraging him to continue walking. According to James, this wasn’t just a polite gesture—it was a subtle but clear sign of frustration.

“Charles was walking at a notably brisk pace behind Trump,” she explained. “At one point, he appears visibly impatient, clenching and unclenching his hands before finally stepping in to move things along.”

Lip Reader Claims Charles Wasn’t Mincing Words

In addition to body language analysis, lip readers were also watching closely. Nola Hickling, a professional lip reader, claimed to have spotted King Charles muttering “Go away” to someone off-camera while waiting for Trump to arrive. Though it’s unclear exactly who the comment was directed at, the tone and timing of the remark left little doubt that the King was irritated.

Trump Walks Ahead—Again

Adding fuel to the fire was another incident that quickly went viral on social media. Trump was seen walking in front of King Charles while chatting animatedly with a senior guard, leaving the British monarch to trail behind. For many viewers, it echoed a similar moment from a previous visit where Trump walked ahead of Queen Elizabeth II, sparking backlash at the time.

While Buckingham Palace has attempted to downplay the situation—stating that it’s customary for visiting heads of state to lead during an inspection—critics weren’t buying it.

“He’s walking like Charles doesn’t even exist,” one British commentator remarked, capturing the sentiment of many who viewed the footage online.

Melania Trump’s Bold Fashion Statement

The drama didn’t end with Trump’s behavior. Former First Lady Melania Trump also turned heads when she wore a striking canary yellow off-the-shoulder gown to a royal banquet on September 17. While undeniably elegant, the dress stood in stark contrast to the more conservative attire worn by the royal family’s female members.

Fashion critics and cultural commentators debated the appropriateness of the outfit, with some suggesting it was a deliberate choice. According to Vogue, Melania’s wardrobe decision could be interpreted as a subtle nod to her husband’s “America First” policies, showcasing a bold, individualistic style in contrast to traditional British norms.

Royal Etiquette vs. American Attitude

The visit served as a reminder of the cultural differences and expectations between American political figures and British royalty. While American presidents are not required to follow royal protocol in the strictest sense, diplomatic etiquette still carries weight—especially during formal state visits.

This particular trip underscored the challenges of navigating those traditions while maintaining personal and political identity. For King Charles, it seemed like a balancing act between civility and restraint, especially in the face of perceived discourtesy.

As body language expert Judi James summarized, “There were clear signs the King was doing his best to remain composed, but he wasn’t shy about giving Trump a nudge when it was needed.”