Controversy has erupted after Donald Trump displayed a private letter from King Charles in the Oval Office, with royal watchers claiming protocol breaches on multiple fronts.
The letter, which is typically kept confidential, was shown to cameras during a recent meeting.
Royal observers have expressed outrage over both how the correspondence was delivered to Trump and the President's decision to publicly showcase it.
The letter notably contained an unprecedented invitation for a second state visit to the United Kingdom.
Donald Trump's 'break in protocol' sparks royal controversy: 'King will have something to say!'
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The letter, partially visible in photos, references the "breadth of challenges across the world" and states that the UK and US have "a vital role to play".
King Charles mentioned remembering "with great fondness" Trump's visits during his "previous presidency".
The monarch suggested a visit to Balmoral or Dumfries House in Scotland.
He wrote that such a meeting would offer "a valuable chance to plan a historic second State Visit to the United Kingdom".
Keir Starmer showed Donald Trump a letter from King Charles inviting him to the UKPAThe King noted this would be "unprecedented by a US president".
Royal watchers have been quick to criticise the handling of the correspondence.
One fan wrote: "The King must make public why he gave a letter to Starmer instead of contacting the President of the USA, Donald Trump himself."
They added: "This is not impartial and is not in keeping with royal protocol."
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PAAnother royal observer commented: "The King's letter in front of the world cameras completely ignored protocol."
They warned: "King Charles will have something to say about that!"
Others criticised Trump's handling of the letter itself.
One commenter noted: "No one should ever be allowed to hand anything to the President. As is the case in every protocol, Trump should learn to insist they give everything to his helpers."
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Many expressed concerns about Trump's previous royal encounters.
"Trump's first trip to the UK was an embarrassment; he was clueless with his mannerism, politeness and protocol," wrote one observer.
Another added it was "cringe-worthy watching him give the King's letter to Trump and waiting like a lapdog for Trump to open it."
When asked about the timing of the potential second state visit, Buckingham Palace offered a brief response. They simply stated the visit would take place "when diaries allow".
