Donald Trump broke royal protocol over 'tricky' rule Royal Family rule says ex-butler

A former royal butler has suggested that Donald Trump committed a major blunder that broke royal protocol during his visit to Scotland earlier this week.

Following his arrival on Scottish territory last Friday (July 25), the controversial American president spent four hectic days opening a new golf course and fielding questions from journalists alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

During one of his media exchanges, the president at one point addressed King Charles and Queen Camilla using only their first names.

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This represents a blunder that is commonly understood to violate established royal protocol regarding how the monarch and his queen consort should be addressed.

Outlining the rule, ex-royal butler Grant Harrold explained: "You should never call the Royal Family by their first names, even family use their correct titles, like 'Your Majesty'. "

The former palace employee offered the president some leniency, suggesting there could be a minor exception given the American leader's citizenship.

He continued: "Trump really should be referring to them as King Charles and Queen Camilla. It's a tricky one because, being American, he doesn't need to refer to them by their titles, but out of politeness and in the name of good etiquette, he should."

Grant went on in his discussion with Slingo: "To call the royals by their first names, I would consider that a breach in protocol. The King won't be so bothered by it, but I can imagine the courtiers will not be best pleased."

Meanwhile, Trump claimed the historic trade deal between the US and EU was the "biggest deal ever made" during a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

He was also spotted launching another course at his Trump International Golf Links venue that opened in Aberdeenshire in 2012.

Speaking to reporters at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, he declared: "It's going to be a special day, it's going to be a special year, a special decade."

Addressing those gathered at the event he added: "I hope everyone in Scotland, and well beyond Scotland enjoys it (the golf course) for many, many years to come."

The 79-year-old has deep ties with Scotland after his mum, Mary Anne Trump, was born and brought up on the Isle of Lewis, which sits in the north west of the country.

In 2006, his bond with the nation strengthened further when he bought land in Aberdeenshire to construct his Trump International Golf Links.