Day two of Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the United Kingdom is underway — and once again, his approach to royal traditions is raising eyebrows.
From what commentators have called “wildly inappropriate” remarks to Kate Middleton at a state banquet, to striding ahead of King Charles in Windsor gardens, and even arriving late to an engagement, royal watchers have been quick to dissect the President’s apparent protocol missteps.
The visit itself is notable; most U.S. presidents are invited for only one state visit during their time in office, making Trump’s second trip across the Atlantic highly unusual.
Early Ties to the Royals in the 1980s
Trump’s complicated history with the Royal Family stretches back to the 1980s, when he was climbing the ranks of New York real estate.
Between 1981 and 1983, reports surfaced claiming Princess Diana and Prince Charles were considering a $5 million condo in Trump Tower. Buckingham Palace quickly dismissed the speculation, saying there was “no truth” to it.
Later, Trump was accused of spreading the rumor himself to drum up publicity for his new skyscraper. In his 1987 book The Art of the Deal, he admitted he had “refused to confirm or deny the rumour” when asked, but acknowledged that the buzz helped draw attention to the tower.
