Posted on 09/17/2025 6:46:30 PM PDT by jerod
U.S. president kicked off his historic 2nd state visit to Britain at Windsor Castle
While observers weren't necessarily expecting a bow or curtsy, they may not have predicted a greeting this informal, either.
U.S. President Donald Trump's historic second state visit to Britain began Wednesday with a stop at Windsor Castle, where he was met by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Trump stepped out of his helicopter, raised his hand in a salute and then shook William's hand. Then, upon greeting Catherine, Trump shook her hand and said, "You're beautiful. So beautiful."
Catherine didn't appear to react one way or another. She reached out to shake first lady Melania Trump's hand, and the foursome walked across the lawn toward King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
There are no obligatory codes of conduct when meeting a member of the Royal Family, notes the official royal website, adding that many people do still wish to "observe the traditional forms" — which for men, is a neck bow.
So technically, Trump didn't breach royal protocol by commenting on Catherine's appearance, explained Justin Vovk, a royal historian with the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada.
"But it would, in my opinion, sort of transgress the unofficial rules of personal diplomacy," Vovk told CBC News.
Later Wednesday, at the formal state banquet, Trump mentioned Catherine's appearance again, this time in his official speech that was broadcast around the world.
"Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine so radiant, and so healthy, and so beautiful," he said, reading solemnly off written notes, Catherine sitting to his right.
Trump has a history of making comments such as these in public, formal settings, likely thinking he comes off as charming or that he's breaking the ice, Vovk said.
But it's unprofessional, he added, particularly when meeting members of the Royal Family — who are used to getting comments about their appearance from the general public, but not one on one, and especially not during a formal state visit when the monarchy's role is to put its best foot forward.
"It was very awkward. There are so many levels of cringe to this," he said. "How do you respond to something like that in a way that will not make the situation more awkward or will not come off as a rebuff of the compliment?"
She IS beautiful, JEALOUS ONE!!
OMG!!! I said she was JEALOUS BEFORE I saw her FUGLY FACE!!
Did she ever write any articles on Joe Biden sniffing a few hundred children? Molesting his own daughter? No? But Trump called someone beautiful? What a creep.
I’m POSITIVE that Catherine was NOT OFFENDED!! Neither would her husband!!
He also praised William and ignored Hawwy 😄
A person can be beautiful in many ways besides physical traits.
CBC
COMPLETE BULL CRAP
She is just in her early 40s.
In that context, Trump's comment can be attributed to kindness and reassurance.
Trump’s comment was 100% perfectly acceptable and kind.
Trump lives in her head ... and she just can’t bear it any longer.
Well, I have to choose one for the top spot and it’s Kate. Melania is second. I will admit that Kate’s strong command of English gives her an edge. And what man can disapprove of her British accent? She commands attention and carries herself with poise and duty to tradition.
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