WasPresident Donald Trumpgiven the royal snub?
AfterQueen Elizabethmet with the American presidenton Friday, a source told theSunday TimesthatPrince CharlesandPrince William, who are first and second in line to the throne, “refused to attend.”
However, a palace spokesperson tells PEOPLE that Charles and William were never supposed to take part in the meeting.
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Adds Dickie Arbiter, former spokesman for the Queen and author ofOn Duty with the Queen, “It was always going to be a short visit and as soon as you have too many people it gets longer. It was a courtesy call – that’s all it was.”
After more than a year of back-and-forth about whether he would be heading to the U.K. for an official visit, President Trump — along with the first lady — met the Queen at Windsor Castle on Friday.
The Trumps were welcomed at the Quadrangle of the castle, where a Guard of Honor gave a royal salute and the U.S. national anthem was played. The Queen and President Trump inspected the Guard of Honor before watching the military march past. The president and first lady then joined the Queen inside the castle for afternoon tea.
But the meeting didn’t exactly go off without a hitch. Tens of thousands ofprotesters marched through the streets of London— about 20 miles from Windsor Castle — it what was dubbed “The Stop Trump March.”
Carrying signs that read “Trump Not Welcome” and “Dump Trump,” the crowd made it clear that not everyone in the U.K. supported the country’s diplomacy.
In addition, Trump was slammed online forawkwardly blocking the Queenduring their walk while inspecting her Guard of Honor. In a viral clip, the monarch appears to make a hand gesture as they turn the corner. She then attempts to pass behind the president, who stops walking and completely eclipsesQueen Elizabethfrom view for a moment. She returns to his right side and continues their walk.
William,Kate MiddletonandPrince Harryhosted former President Barack Obama and formerFirst Lady Michelle Obamafor a private dinner in 2016, with Harry warmly greeting the first lady with a double kiss.
Memorably,Prince Georgestayed up late to greet the commander-in-chiefclad in a bathrobe, matching gingham blue pajamas and slippers before taking a ride a rocking horse – a gift from the Obamas when he was born.
“The three of them have built up a relationship with the President and First Lady over the years,” added the source.
In 2014, William visited the Oval Office, where he and President Obama discussed the campaign to clamp down on illegal wildlife trafficking.
Harry also hosted Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha – along with grandma Marian Robinson – fortea at Kensington Palaceback in June 2015. In October 2015, the Obamas played host to a visitingPrince Harry– where the chemistry between Michelle and the royal wason adorable display.
source: people.com
