Donald Trump greets King Charles with infamous power handshake

Posted on April 28, 2026
By The Independent
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In brief

During King Charles III's inaugural state visit to America as reigning monarch, President Trump extended a notably firm handshake lasting nearly ten seconds upon the royal arrival at Maryland's military installation. This encounter showcased Trump's characteristic greeting style, which body language analysts frequently interpret as a deliberate display of dominance. The visit represents a significant diplomatic milestone, celebrating both the restoration of British royal presence in the US and the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.

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Donald Trump greets King Charles with infamous power handshake

Watch Donald Trump firmly shake hands with King Charles as the royals arrive in the US for a historic state visit. The trip, the King’s first to the US as monarch and the first state visit of any British monarch since 2007, will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. On Monday (27 April), King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by the US President and First Lady Melania Trump after they touched down at a military base in Maryland, just outside Washington. Trump can be seen giving the King a firm and vigorous handshake lasting for almost 10 seconds. The US president’s signature “clasp and yank” handshakes have been seen by some body language experts as a way to exert control.