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Shortly after arriving in the U.S., King Charles III and Queen Camilla were welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to the White House. All eyes were on the couples during their greetings since there was so much chatter across the pond about whether the POTUS would break protocol. That protocol being touching the king or queen following their handshakes and greetings.

Ahead of the visit, Grant Harrold, who was King Charles’ personal butler and house manager from 2004 to 2011, said he expected the president to break protocol by doing what he has done every other time he’s met the royals.

Speaking on behalf of Action Network, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “Every time Donald Trump meets the royal family, he manages to break protocol. It’s happened so many times now, I think we can almost guarantee there’ll be a breach of protocol again. Most likely, it’ll be Trump doing the wrong handshake or putting his hands on the king.”

King Charles’ former aide added, “My advice to the Trumps would be to look, but don’t touch. As simple as that. Look, smile, be gracious, but please do not touch … Donald and Melania don’t need to bow or curtsy as they are not British. However, the president could do with working on his handshake, dignifying it a bit. It should be two or three pumps with your hands to the side, not too strong, not overpowering, not too limp — and make sure there is eye contact.”

Eagled-eyed fans pointed out that during their pleasantries, both Melania and Donald Trump touched the queen’s arm.

Now, a lip-reading expert is sharing what the president said at that moment that kept things light.

Professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman told Reach plc that after the king said to the president, “Hello, very good to be here,” and the first lady replied, “So pleased to see you. I’m really delighted,” there looked to be some confusion as to where everyone was supposed to stand for photographs. The queen was even moving from side to side, not sure where to go before they found their positions.

According to Freeman, “When Trump motions Charles to the spot, Camilla moves into Charles’ spot — Trump jokingly says, ‘What’s going on here?’”

Freeman noted that the king replied “Phew” before the quartet stood in their respective spots while cameras clicked away. The lip reader also observed that during this phase of the photocall, Mr. Trump told King Charles, “Enjoy, they’re good guys,” which may have been referring to the photographers.

Freeman then noticed the monarch asking Trump, “Is it time?” as they tried to keep on schedule before moving on to the next part of the visit. From there, the parties enjoyed tea, and the hosts gave their guests a tour of the White House beehives.

The king and queen’s U.S. state visit wraps up on April 30.

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