Queen left to meet Donald Trump alone after Prince Charles and Prince William 'snubbed US President'

Prince Charles and Prince William both snubbed Donald Trump ahead of his UK visit and left the Queen to greet him alone , it has been claimed.

The first two in line to the throne reportedly said they did not want to be involved in the president’s four-day trip during informal discussions.

Downing Street has said that because Mr Trump’s was a working visit – not a state visit- only the Queen was required to meet him.

However, an insider told the Sunday Times that senior courtiers had shared concerns about Charles and William’s reluctance to participate.

Heads of state can often expect to meet more members of the royal family even when just on working trips.

“This business of Prince Charles and Prince William not being there for the Trump visit was a snub,” said the Sunday Times’ source.

“It's a very, very unusual thing for the Queen to be there on her own. Usually she is accompanied by somebody.”

Prince Charles has taken on many more royal duties since Prince Philip, 97, retired last year. But he was busy at a board meeting and an event with Gloucestershire Police while his mother was with Mr Trump on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Cambridge played in a charity polo match and Prince Harry had private engagements.

The Queen’s meeting with the president and First Lady sparked controversy after Mr Trump refused to bow to her and then walked in front of her.

A Buckingham Palace source told the Sunday Times: “This was not a state visit and the involvement of other members of the royal family would be different.

“There was never any approach by the government or others, formally or informally, to Clarence House, Kensington Palace or the Duke of York's office.”