Donald Trump appears to pat Queen on back at state banquet in violation of 'no touch' protocol – but he's not the first

DONALD Trump appeared to break royal protocol during the state banquet last night when he seemed to touch the Queen on the back.

The US President, 72, looked as if he put his left hand on the monarch’s back as she stood up after his speech during the meal at Buckingham Palace.

Official royal protocol dictates that in order to be able to touch the Queen she must first offer her hand to you but this has been broken several times over the years without any consequence.

Mr Trump had been paying tribute to the monarch at a lavish banquet in front of 170 special guests that included Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton and Theresa May.

Prince Harry also chose to spend the evening with wife Meghan and their baby son Archie after a row over the Duchess of Sussex's previous criticism of the President.

While it is unclear if the ‘no touch’ protocol was breached the Queen seemed completely unfazed by the action as she warmly toasted his speech in which he said she was a “great, great woman”.

Body language expert Judi James told The Sun Online that the pair displayed a "warm friendship" towards one another.

During Mr Trump's first official visit to the UK last year it was reported he kept the Queen waiting for ten minutes before he arrived at Windsor Castle.

He was also criticised for not bowing when greeting her, and then walked ahead of her as they inspected the troops from the Coldstream Guards.

However the Queen later admitted it was she who was on the wrong side.

'GREAT, GREAT WOMAN'

Mr Trump said: “She has embodied the spirit of dignity, duty, and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart.

“On behalf of all Americans, I offer a toast to the eternal friendship of our people, the vitality of our nations and to the long cherished and truly remarkable reign of Her Majesty the Queen.”

In her speech the Queen said: "As we face the new challenges of the 21st century, the anniversary of D-Day reminds us of all that our countries have achieved together."

She added: "Mr President, as we look to the future I'm confident that our common values and shared interest will continue to unite us.

"Tonight we celebrate an alliance that has helped to ensure the safety and prosperity of both our peoples for decades, and which I believe will endure for many years to come."

During an official visit in 2009 the then First Lady Michelle Obama put a friendly arm around the Queen during a meeting.

Mrs Obama later said the Queen had branded royal protocol as “rubbish”.

In 2017, Canada’s then Governor General David Johnston was spotted gently touching the Queen’s elbow as she walked up the steps at Canada House in London when she visited to celebrate the country’s 150^th anniversary.

Defending his actions, Mr Johnston said he had done it to make sure she did not fall over as she climbed the stairs.

Australia’s then Prime Minister John Howard denied he had broken royal protocol in 2000 when it was claimed he had put his arm around the Queen when he was introducing her to MPs at a VIP reception.

Back in 1992 Paul Keating, who was then the Aussie leader, earned the nickname “Lizard of Oz” when he touched the Queen’s back during her tour of the country.

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