Princess Anne once had an awkward encounter with Donald Trump in which she appeared to ‘snub’ the US President – but it wasn’t what is seemed. Back in December 2019, members of the Royal Family mixed with some of the most powerful world leaders at a glittering NATO reception at Buckingham Palace.

Among the guests were ex-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, ex-Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, former German leader Angela Merkel and of course the outspoken The Apprentice star. Most eyes were on the Queen that evening, but it was Princess Anne who stole the show with a seemingly ‘sassy’ response while her mother was greeting Trump and his wife Melania.

A video clip from the evening showed the Princess Royal holding back while the late Queen, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla were shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with their American guests. It came before ‘disturbed’ William got angry with Meghan Markle over the missing Diana diamonds.

Anne was noticeably missing from the line-up, which prompted Her Majesty to beckon over to her daughter, who was stoo slightly off to the side.

Many fans believed the Queen was “scolding” her for not joining the group to do the official greeting – believing she should have been in the row, reports the Mirror. The Monarch looked over at her only daughter and gestured with her hands, but Anne did not move, simply smiling and shrugging with her arms outstretched.

At the time, many thought Anne was deliberately ‘snubbing’ Trump, with many taking to Twitter after watching the hilarious moment.

One social media user noted: “Princess Anne side-eyeing the Trumps. The Queen scolds her for not being in the royal receiving line and she simply shrugs.

“Feeling Princess Anne big time today. Haven’t loved her as much as since she won It’s A Royal Knockout,” chimed in another.

A third admirer confessed: “I think I’ve fallen in love with Princess Anne.”

However, it was later revealed that a slight misunderstanding from the Queen was actually the cause of the awkward moment.

According to Valentine Low, a journalist from The Times who attended the event, the Queen was merely checking to see which leader was next in line, unaware that Trump was the last.

“OK, here goes… Princess Anne: the truth. No, she didn’t snub the Trumps. And she wasn’t told off by the Queen.

“Instead the Queen, after greeting the Donald (and the Melania), turned to Anne to see who was next. But there wasn’t anyone waiting: Trump was the last leader to be received by the Queen.

“Anne raised her hands in the air, laughed and said: “It’s just me,” adding a moment later “and this lot” as she pointed to the members of the household behind her.

“This excellent bit of sleuthing comes from the very wonderful Laura Elston of the Press Association, who is as impartial a witness as you could hope for.

“So, the truth is now out there. Not that anyone will pay any attention. Anne the Trump Snubber is a much better story.”

The US president had a few contentious encounters with the Queen, including one instance where he breached Royal protocol by walking ahead of her.

While inspecting the Royal guard at Windsor Castle, Trump committed a Royal blunder by forcing the Queen to alter her path and navigate around him.

Visiting politicians and dignitaries are typically briefed on how to walk, converse, and behave when meeting the monarch, but Trump seemed to falter in his stride.

Other incidents include Trump reportedly making the Queen wait during his first official visit in 2018 and opting for a handshake instead of the customary bow.

Upon hearing of her passing, Trump offered a heartfelt tribute to Her Majesty, describing her as an “extraordinary woman” who never erred.

Speaking on GB News, he said: “Who could be greater than what she’s done? And she did it so long, so well and never made mistakes. She was an incredible person. It’s a very sad day.”

It comes after Kate ‘laughed’ at a ‘petty’ Meghan Markle move.