Since becoming elected the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump has been met with polarising views. In the months leading up to the 2016 election, Trump defeated sixteen Republican candidates during the primaries, which lead to the emergence of a media frenzy.
Controversy began when a visit was first proposed by Prime Minister May in January 2017, resulting in a petition to ban the trip. Back in January, President Trump was scheduled to visit the United Kingdom but cancelled his trip because the U.S. embassy had moved. At the time, London Mayor Sadiq Khan released a statement saying, “Many Londoners have made it clear that Donald Trump is not welcome here while he is pursuing such a divisive agenda. It seems he’s finally got that message.”
Prime Minister Theresa May and President Donald Trump at the G20 in July 2017. Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead
Amid reports of protests over the visit, President Trump touched down in the U.K. today. During Trump’s two-day work trip, he will meet with Prime Minister Theresa May to discuss numerous issues that include trade deals, Brexit and the Middle East. This evening Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are attending a black-tie dinner hosted by May at Blenheim Palace, which happens to be the birthplace of Winston Churchill. On Friday, Donald Trump is expected at Windsor Castle to meet with The Queen for tea.
On Wednesday, Buckingham Palace announced Trump would be greeted by an honour guard and receive a royal salute while the United States anthem plays. The President’s wife Melania will be joining him for the trip, but there is no word on whether Prince Phillip will be joining the festivities.
Trump recently commented to The Times that, “Any time The Queen was on television, an event, my mother would be watching. Crazy, right? She loved The Queen. She was so proud of The Queen. She loved the ceremonial and the beauty because nobody does that like the English.”
According to comments, Trump seems to have high esteem for The Queen and is a sitting President, but is still expected to acknowledge proper etiquette during the visit. When meeting The Queen one must remember to wait for Her Majesty to extend her hand to engage in a handshake, which should not be too tight and last two to three pumps. This should also be combined with a head nod or curtsey. A courtier will be a liaison for an introduction to The Queen, who should be addressed as Her Majesty, and thereafter ma’am. Lastly, arrive before her, sit down after her and let The Queen speak first.
Whether or not people approve of this visit, it is vital for public relations. Trump remains steadfast in his views and remains a force to be reckoned with. As U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Robert Wood Johnson stated, “Meeting Her Majesty is the most important thing, because she’s the head of state, and from there on, it’ll be what the President wants to do.”
The Queen has met every US President during her reign with the exception of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
