Princess Kate Middleton was not seen curtsying to United States President Donald Trump during his Wednesday, September 17, state visit.
Kate, 43, and husband Prince William greeted Donald, 79, and his wife, Melania Trump, on the grounds of Windsor Castle early on Wednesday. The foursome then walked a short distance to meet William’s father, King Charles III, and his wife, Queen Camilla.
While neither the royal family nor the Trumps have addressed the greeting, it’s not a formal rule that Kate needed to curtsy to a visiting world leader.
“There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting The Queen or a member of the royal family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms,” the royal family’s website reads. “For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”
According to People, it is likely that Kate opted against a public curtsy since she was already in the king and queen’s presence and possibly bowed in private. Kate often curtsies to Charles, 76, as the reigning monarch — and she did at Katharine, Duchess of Kent’s funeral held on Tuesday, September 16.
There also aren’t formal rules on how a visiting dignitary should greet a member of royalty. (Donald and Melania shook their hands on Wednesday.)
“On presentation to The Queen, the correct formal address is ‘Your Majesty’ and subsequently ‘Ma’am,’ pronounced with a short ‘a,’ as in ‘jam,’” the royal family’s website adds. “For male members of the Royal Family the same rules apply, with the title used in the first instance being ‘Your Royal Highness’ and subsequently ‘Sir.’ For other female members of the Royal Family the first address is conventionally ‘Your Royal Highness’ and subsequently ‘Ma’am.’”
Donald and Melania, 55, traveled to England this week for an official state visit, which included a carriage procession, a visit to St George’s Chapel to lay a wreath atop late Queen Elizabeth II’s grave, a military flyover and an intimate tea.
The royals and the Trumps all dressed formally for the occasion, with Donald, William, 43, and Charles all opting for dark suits. Melania chose a black suit with a plum, wide-brimmed hat, while Camilla, 77, donned a blue dress. Kate, meanwhile, looked chic in a burgundy coatdress with a matching fascinator and handbag.
Kate has recently returned to her full slate of royal duties after stepping back last year while battling an undisclosed form of cancer. The Princess of Wales has been in remission since January.
