Trump's Paris meeting: Protocol blunder with Prince William

Last month, presidential elections were held in the United States, with Donald Trump emerging victorious. The outcome sparked strong emotions not just in the U.S., but also in Poland.

Although the inauguration of the new U.S. President has not yet taken place, he is not planning to wait idly. Donald Trump is already meeting with other politicians and attending a range of events, both political and otherwise.

On Saturday, the businessman participated in the opening of the rebuilt Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was damaged by fire in 2019. The event was preceded by talks at the Élysée Palace, attended by Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, and Trump. The ceremony then took place with the presence of Prince William.

The media paid special attention to the one-on-one meeting between Donald and the royal, held at the British ambassador's residence in Paris. The 78-year-old made a blunder by breaking royal protocol when greeting the Prince. A video shows the politician not only extending his hand first toward the king's son but also patting him on the shoulder. Judging by William's unchanged expression and demeanor, he probably expected nothing less from the controversial American. It is important to note that both actions by the U.S. President are against royal etiquette. When interacting with royalty, one should wait for them to be the first to extend their hand, and initiating unnecessary physical contact is also a faux-pas.

Let us remind you that this is not the first time Trump has failed to behave appropriately toward members of the British royal family. In 2018, he was late for a meeting with Queen Elizabeth, did not bow before her, and then walked facing away from her.