King Charles and Trump Meet Amidst Diplomatic Friction

King Charles III’s state visit to the United States was marked by a striking interaction with former President Donald Trump. The encounter, characterized by a prolonged and seemingly competitive handshake, has sparked discussion about both the health of the former President and the current state of US-UK relations.

The Handshake and Health Concerns

The 77-year-old King and the 79-year-old former President engaged in a handshake where neither initially yielded, reminiscent of Trump’s interactions with other world leaders. Following the handshake, both couples – Donald and Melania Trump, and King Charles and Queen Camilla – posed for photographs at the White House.

Attention quickly turned to the appearance of Trump’s right hand, which appeared visibly swollen and discolored in the images. Journalist Aaron Rupar highlighted this observation on X (formerly Twitter), prompting further speculation about Trump’s physical well-being. Trump’s team has attributed the discoloration to a demanding schedule and frequent handshaking, suggesting makeup is sometimes used to conceal the marks.

Trump's History of Assertive Handshakes

Donald Trump is well-known for his assertive handshake style, often described as a deliberate power move. This tendency has been widely documented, even earning a Wikipedia entry, and has led to memorable interactions with leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron.

In 2017, Justin Trudeau resisted Trump’s attempts to pull him in during a meeting. Emmanuel Macron engaged in extended and forceful handshakes with Trump in both 2017 and 2023, lasting up to 17 seconds.

British Press and US-UK Relations

The British press largely framed King Charles’ interaction with Trump as a success, celebrating the King’s ability to navigate the handshake without being overpowered. However, the visit occurred against a backdrop of strained relations between the U.S. and the U.K., particularly regarding Iran policy.

Differing Approaches to Iran

The U.S., under Trump’s direction, has sought greater support from allies like the U.K. and France in confronting Iran, especially concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The U.K., however, has resisted fully committing to U.S. initiatives, prioritizing freedom of navigation and global economic stability.

This divergence stems from the U.K.’s reluctance to engage in a conflict it doesn’t consider its own and its opposition to restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has publicly criticized the U.K.’s stance, questioning their military capabilities and expressing frustration with their unwillingness to participate in potential military action.

Despite these tensions, King Charles is scheduled to address the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, focusing on themes of reconciliation and unity, aiming to bridge the divide despite political disagreements and Trump’s criticisms.