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On Friday President Trump and his wife Melania faced criticism for shaking hands with the the Queen rather than bowing and curtsying in the monarch’s presence.
The US President and first lady received backlash over what royal fans perceived as a lack of etiquette in front of the 92-year-old.
But surprisingly, Mr Trump and his wife did not officially break royal protocol by offering Her Majesty a firm handshake.
According to guidelines on the official website of the Royal Family, there is no correct or incorrect way to greet the Queen.
It says: “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.
“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.”
However, the official guidelines reveal that when speaking, formal address is expected to be delivered in a traditional way.
It states: “The correct formal address is ‘Your Majesty’ and subsequently ‘Ma’am,’ pronounced with a short ‘a,’ as in ‘jam’.
“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’.”
But physical contact is generally frowned upon, with the Queen known for her dislike of touchy-feely greetings.
Former US president Barack Obama and the former first lady Michelle Obama also greeted the Queen with a handshake.
Michelle Obama even put her hand around the Queen, who followed suit by holding her wrist – but the perceived “breaks in protocol” didn’t quite attract the same criticism as Mr Trump.
The President Trump came under fire for walking ahead of the Queen when the pair were inspecting the Royal Guard on Friday.
Mr Trump eventually stood still and then waited for Her Majesty to catch up but The Queen was forced to to walk around right-hand side of the US President as he had blocked her path.
The US President also received a special handshake from the Queen’s lady in waiting, which appeared to be a match for Mr Trump’s often strong handshake.
Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie, reached out her hand to Mr Trump and held onto it for two firm and lengthy shakes, as he arrived at Windsor Castle to meet the Queen.
She then visibly pulled him in closer, causing Mr Trump to lean forward. He appeared to try and pull away as the Lady in Waiting was speaking to the US President.
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