Donald Trump has been defended after appearing to walk ahead of King Charles during a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, September 17, as part of his second state visit to the United Kingdom.

The 79-year-old president arrived in the UK on Tuesday night with First Lady Melania Trump. The following day, the couple were formally welcomed to Windsor Castle by King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate.

As part of the pageantry, a Guard of Honour was staged within the castle grounds following a carriage procession. Trump was invited to inspect the troops — the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards — with King Charles accompanying him.

Footage from the event showed the monarch gesturing for the president to step ahead, prompting Trump to walk in front as he inspected the soldiers. The king followed closely behind.

Criticism and Defence

The moment drew criticism on social media, with some royal watchers suggesting Trump had once again broken protocol — recalling his 2018 visit, when he walked in front of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Shouldn’t Trump be walking with and talking to King Charles and not the guard?” one X user wrote. Another remarked, “Walking first, again,” while a third accused the president of “breaking protocol.”