King Charles was “entirely comfortable” being touched by United States President Joe Biden when they held a friendly summit at Windsor Castle.
The President, 80, technically broke protocol by repeatedly placing his hand on the monarch’s back as they met inside the quadrangle at Windsor ahead of a discussion about climate change.
As the duo prepared to listen to a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner – the US national anthem – played by the Welsh Guards, Mr Biden placed his hand on the King.
However, the two men were seen laughing and chatting, signalling that they do in fact appear to get on well, reports the Daily Mail.
Addressing the physical contact, a source inside Buckingham Palace said: “His Majesty the King is entirely comfortable with that kind of contact — and what a wonderful symbol of warmth and affection it was between both the individuals and their nations.”
Mr Biden spoke with the King after spending 42 minutes with Rishi Sunak in Downing Street. He then travelled to Berkshire to meet the Monarch as he inspected the Welsh Guards.
The meeting came after the pair shared a phone call earlier this year. Jake Sullivan, Mr Biden’s security advisor described the conversation as “incredibly warm”.
Mr Biden last had formal talks with Charles at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in November 2021.
President Biden attended the Queen’s state funeral in September but was unable to attend the Coronation earlier this year. Instead his wife, Dr Jill Biden attended as the US representative.
Having walked through the castle’s quadrangle, the King and US leader joined participants of the Climate Finance Mobilisation forum. The group were led by Energy Secretary Grant Shapps and Mr Biden’s climate envoy John Kerry, among others.
After leaving Berkshire, Mr Bidenmade his way to Stansted, where he flew to Lithuania ahead of a NATO summit.
