Trump reportedly arrived twenty-one minutes late for the ceremony, leaving the King waiting for nearly fifteen minutes. Lipreader Nola Hickling observed that Charles muttered “Go away” to someone off-camera during the delay. Social media had earlier reacted strongly when Trump walked ahead of the King to speak with a guard, prompting comments that he appeared to ignore royal hierarchy. The Palace later clarified that it is customary for a visiting head of state to take the lead in such inspections.
The public’s attention was also drawn to Melania Trump, who wore a striking canary yellow dress to a formal banquet. Vogue suggested the outfit may have been a deliberate statement aligning with her husband’s economic policies, contrasting sharply with the attire of attending royal women.
Trump at the state dinner: We had a very sick country one year ago. Today we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. In fact nobody is even questioning it.
Is there a greater embarrassment to America than Donald Trump? pic.twitter.com/PHK7AVCbGC
— Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00) September 17, 2025
Overall, the visit highlighted the delicate choreography of state ceremonies and the subtle ways King Charles managed moments where protocol and personalities intersected.
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