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?"
Why can’t it just be a nice, kind comment? I’m sure he’d be criticized no matter what he said.
OH NOES he told a beautiful woman that she’s beautiful OH THE HORROR
>> Looks like Trump has offended at least one person... Ms. Natalie Stechyson... Boo hoo!
Yeah, it’s not like he’s some Aqualung lech, he’s the billionaire PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. His wife is the ever beautiful and classy Melania and SHE WAS RIGHT THERE. And he called Catherine beautiful. Twice. And she’s a woman.
My conclusion from all that: she loved hearing it, and why shouldn’t she?
You want a “royal protocol problem” quote from the President to write about? How about when he feasts his eyes on King Charles’ Camilla for the first time? “My gawd woman! You’re uglier than the east end of a westbound jackass!!!” If he’s honest...
Natalie, call your office!
She looks like a foot.
A little different and maybe not per protocol, but it's not disrespectful either.
I see no issue with noticing a woman who recently fought cancer as radiant and healthy.
I am not taking etiquette lessons from the side that celebrates murder.
Undoubtedly.
I had to find a picture of Princess Catherine...she is indeed an attractive woman.
The person she offended...not so much. She follows a “running influencer”. Nuff said.
LOL that the president of THE UNITED STATES has to worry about royal protocol.
We told them what to do with that in 1783.
We are NOT bound by it.
If anybody knows a beautiful woman when he sees one - it’s Trump
CBS is just pissed bc Rudy CEO of Newsman as at the same dinner.
Princess Catherine has been undergoing chemotherapy, for an internal cancer.
Chemo often leaves the patient felling like a bag of s%€t and often looking like a bag of s%€t, also. In her position, she also has to be concerned about how she looks, because she REPRESENTS the State, she HAS to look good!
For whatever reason PDJT said it, it was also meant as a confidence BOOSTER, imo. I also believe that the Princess would have taken it, as such.
AFA the author and the CBC, aka PravdaKanaduh, who really gives a rip what they think! They can shove their attitude, right up their Justin Trudeau, and rotate!
A country that allowed itself to be invaded by a theocracy has lost all rights to be “offended” by such supposed protocol.
“Hello, Princess *wink* You’ve down well since I last saw you serving ice cream. Chunka-Choca-Chip. ‘Member? *sniff* Anyway. Don’t date anyone till yer thirty, hear? *leans in* (That loser in the suit nex’ to ya doesn’t wanna hear that! Henh!) *hand-squeeze* Awright. Later.”
Once again, Trump is NOT wrong....
Protocol wise? Probably.
Justin Vovk sounds like a gay furry dude.
The author, who has a problem with someone telling a woman she is beautiful.
Well, she should know, since she’s a solid 3 without any makeup. And no fun at all.
No nose ring is a half point
We decided that we didn't want to follow protocol all the way back in 1776!
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