Donald Trump's intimate gesture toward Melania in front of King Charles and Queen Camilla sparks major backlash

A photograph of Donald Trump seemingly 'getting handsy' with Melania has set tongues wagging online, after he did so in the company of royalty.

The US President and First Lady have been hosting King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House in Washington, D.C. since Monday (27 Apr) for the couple's latest State Visit.

Upon their arrival, the King and Queen received a full ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute, while they stood in view of the Washington Monument.

The powerful pack later visited the presidential residence's Green Room for an informal tea to settle in, before Trump held a private meeting with the King to discuss UK-US relations, and Melania and Camilla hosted an educational workshop for local students.

The foursome later feasted on a lavish state banquet, before Charles delivered a record-breaking speech to Congress.

An image taken from the initial ceremonial welcome has since gone viral, however, with some critics accusing Trump of placing an inappropriate little 'love tap' on Melania's backside.

"Actually disgusting and probably embarrassing to the First Lady," one X user hit out.

As another wrote: "Putting your hand on your wife’s ass when you’re walking with the king of England is not classy, it’s embarrassing."

Take a look at the moment below:

"Imagine if Biden or Obama were feeling on their wife's ass in public next to the Royal Family," a third suggested. "But when it's Trump, it's a patriotic love tap. I am laughing my ass off rn."

Others, however, have defended the father-of-five, describing the controversial gesture as commonplace within a marriage.

"My wife and I frequently (as recently as this morning) give each other little love taps like the one Trump gave Melania," one claimed.

"It is a sign of genuine affection between husband and wife."

Another agreed: "I've done that to my girlfriend before it's just a habit when you're comfortable with someone - doesn't seem like a big deal to me."

And a third insisted: "Wives love that as much as husbands like when they squeeze our shoulders or bicep."

This isn't the first time since the King and Queen landed in the US that Trump has come under fire for his hotly-debated hand gestures.

He was slammed yesterday for 'trying his toxic beta-male handshake' with Charles, by reaching out a hand to the King before pulling him in forcefully for a handshake.

The American leader also came under fire for placing a hand firmly on Charles' arm after the British monarch emerged from his vehicle, as if to be pulling the 76-year-old royal purposefully in his directio, after which he was accused of breaking major rules.

What was on the menu at the White House state dinner?

First course

Hearts of palm salad and garden herb velouté sauce with toasted shallots.

Second course

Handcrafted spring herb ravioli with herbs from the White House Kitchen Garden, filled with creamy ricotta, morels, with a light parmesan emulsion.

Main course

Dover sole meunière in a nutty brown butter with tender spring ramps, sweet snow peas, layered potatoes pavé, and a parsley oil.

Dessert

Beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau with a vanilla bean crémeux custard, set inside with an almond joconde, served with crème fraîche ice cream and White House honey.

Drinks

A selection of wines was also presented to ‘complement the menu while honouring the shared heritage and enduring friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom’, the White House said.