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Published 10:42 28 Apr 2026 BST
King Charles has begun his state visit to the United States with a White House meeting alongside Donald Trump, with some observers suggesting that subtle diplomatic manoeuvring may already be in play.
Despite security concerns, the state visit is proceeding as planned in the aftermath of the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner over the weekend, an event attended by Donald Trump for the first time during his presidency.
During the King’s meeting with Trump, the president appeared to employ his well-known handshake style, drawing the other person in sharply, which some interpret as an attempt to assert dominance.
However, onlookers were quick to note that King Charles was 'having none of it', as footage of the encounter showed a bit of back and forth motion as Trump appeared to try and pull the King in, our head of state refused to yield.
Instead, they clasped each other's hands for a little while as Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania greeted one another.
Viewers were quick to deem it 'so disrespectful' for Trump to try his handshake on King Charles, saying 'the handshake wrestle is insane'.
Others said it was a rather 'awkward power handshake' which didn't go according to Trump's plans as King Charles was 'not having it'.
Trump has used his trademark handshake style on a number of world leaders over the years, including Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron, with one particularly memorable exchange with Macron escalating into what observers described as an extended “arm-wrestle” for control.
On more than one occasion, the White House has also been required to address visible bruising on Trump’s hand following especially forceful handshakes.
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