Donald Trump meets the Queen … and brings his ego with him, body language expert says

Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most influential women in the world but US President Donald Trump appeared unfazed as he took some subtle power swipes.

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in British history.

She’s one of the most influential woman in the world and is renowned for her calm and firm personality.

So when Donald Trump greeted her with a power grip and put his arm around her waist on the first of a three-day visit to the UK today it was a big deal.

After all, she is the Queen and there is a certain way to act around royalty.

The US President appeared polite but at the same time he was not letting go of his power.

Body language expert Dr Louise Mahler examined the leaders’ non-verbal cues in several photos and a video, from eye contact to hand gestures, and gave her verdict on the highly-anticipated meeting.

She told News Corp Australia the president is doing his best “polite Trump impersonation”, but at the same time he is holding his ground as the leader of America and “just as important”.

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II greets President Donald Trump as he arrives for a welcome ceremony in the garden of Buckingham Palace. Picture: AP

Trump projected his power from the offset when he greeted the Queen in the garden of Buckingham Palace with a power grip.

“The shaking hand photo is unusual. His hand is on top of hers which is power grip,” she said.

“It could also be his way of supporting her by lifting her up. He is, however, definitely asserting authority.”

Donald Trump at a state dinner at Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth II.

He also must know that putting your arm around royalty is a big no-no. But he did it anyway.

“He was not going to leave the Queen behind as he did on his last visit. Instead he stayed a-pace, but he is asserting power in little ways,” Dr Mahler says.

“He who puts his hand on the back of the other is seen to be stronger”.

And it’s not the first time Trump has used this move to assert his authority.

It’s been seen in all his interactions with other world leaders including North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un.

“With the handshake and the arm on the back, these are seen as caring gestures, but once again, Trump is always aware that these have power messages,” Dr Mahler said.

President Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth II make a toast during a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Getty Images

Even during a toast at a state dinner held in his honour at Buckingham Palace, the US President is photographed avoiding eye contact with the Queen.

“This is unusual and shows he is not on equal ground,” Dr Mahler said.

“Is his insecurity projecting a weakness or is he saying he is so strong he does not have to make eye contact with an elderly lady?

“There are definite messages there as he knows how to make eye contact and chose not to do it.”

US First Lady Melania Trump was there but … not there. Picture: AFP

The First Lady Melania Trump looked stunning in a floor-length Dior Haute Couture ivory gown. But she came across as absent.

“Melania continues to play her role as a coathanger,” Dr Mahler said.

Ivanka Trump (centre), daughter of US President Donald Trump, and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, view displays of US items of the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace. Picture: AFP

Similarly, a photo of the president’s daughter Ivanka with Prince Harry viewing US items on display at Buckingham Palace lacked substance.

“I see no meaning in these photos,” she said.

“Harry’s foot is out blocking Melanie from the conversation with the unknown lady. They seem disconnected.”