On Monday, July 10, U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in England to meet with King Charles III in what would be the first such meeting between the two since Charles was crowned as the new British monarch.
The King received Biden at Windsor Castle where they discussed various topics including climate issues. Issues that Charles has high on his royal agenda.
During the first meeting between the two, the king and the U.S. president starred in a moment that many described as a “break in royal protocol” by Biden.
Biden and King Charles
When Biden’s car arrived at Windsor Castle, King Charles greeted him with a handshake. Together they climbed a flight of stairs to a platform to witness the band playing the national anthems of both countries and review the Welsh Guards.
However, during this tour, Biden “broke royal protocol” by casually placing his hand on the King’s back as they both walked.
Another detail to note is that Biden also walked in front of the king during the Honor Guard inspection.
Protocol states that no one can walk in front of the king or queen. This episode recalled the previous visit of an American president to England.
Specifically, Donald Trump whose visit also went viral for walking in front of the then Queen Elizabeth II.
However, the British Royal Household wanted to play down the importance of Biden’s behavior and assured that Charles was “entirely comfortable” with Biden touching the monarch on the back.
Biden’s visit was discreet compared to other presidential welcomes to the UK, and that is because the president was on a working visit rather than an official state visit.
The president’s previous visit to England was for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022. For Charles’ coronation last May 6, he did not attend.
However, his wife Jill Biden, and granddaughter Finnegan Biden did attend this important ceremony.
