British Royal Visit: Melania Trump Abstained from Curtsying During Joint State Holiday with Donald Trump
In the grand tradition of state visits, protocol and etiquette often take centre stage. During Melania Trump's visit to Great Britain, a unique courtesy controversy unfolded, with the former First Lady choosing not to curtsy to the British royals.
However, the source of this decision remains a mystery. Despite extensive searches, no credible information has surfaced indicating who made the decision for Melania Trump to forego the customary curtsy during her state visit to the United Kingdom.
This decision was in stark contrast to the common practice seen since Ronald Reagan's presidency in 1981. Every president since, including George Bush, Bill Clinton, Obama, and Joe Biden, have followed the tradition of saluting in military contexts during their ceremonial welcomes in Great Britain.
Melania Trump's behaviour during the visit sparked a flurry of comments, ranging from criticisms and humour to discussions about her refusal to curtsy and her choice of headwear. The visit was not without controversy, with earlier instances of Donald Trump's interactions with the Queen also being scrutinised.
In 2019, during his first official state visit, Donald Trump was criticised for placing his hand on the Queen's back at the state banquet, a gesture that was interpreted as crossing a line. Two years earlier, during a 2018 visit, Donald Trump opted to shake hands with Queen Elizabeth II instead of bowing.
Donald Trump's military salute during the ceremonial welcome was also a subject of debate. According to US Law, the salute is technically reserved for service members and veterans. This led to further scrutiny of the Trump's handling of protocol during their state visits to the United Kingdom.
A poll question was raised on Bored Panda, asking whether Melania Trump should have curtsied to the royals. The options ranged from a simple yes or no, to the suggestion that she followed American custom, and even the statement that it doesn't matter either way.
Melania Trump spoke at a podium during the state visit, but did not curtsy to the British royals. The online debate continues, with many questioning whether curtsying remains relevant in modern times.
An image of Melania Trump's speech during the state visit was credited to Instagram/melaniatrump. The controversy surrounding her decision to not curtsy during her visit to Great Britain continues to be a topic of discussion among political pundits and the general public alike.
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