DONALD Trump was like a lion startling a herd of animals when he arrived at George H.W. Bush's funeral, a body language expert has claimed.

George Snr's national farewell is taking place today at Washington National Cathedral before family, friends, presidents and foreign dignitaries.

10 Donald Trump pictured with fellow ex-presidents and their wives Credit: Reuters

Expert Judi James told The Sun Online: "You could spot the moment Trump arrived in the National Cathedral even before he honed into view of the cameras.

"Until then the gathering of previous presidents had involved some relatively relaxed displays of sociable body language but suddenly - like a herd of animals sensing a lion - their poses and non-verbal signals morphed into something far more wary and stony-faced."

The 41st US president died Friday in Houston at age 94. His wife of 73 years, Barbara, passed away in April.

Judi added: "Bill Clinton had been leaning into Michelle Obama, ever resting his hand on her arm as he chatted and Hillary had leaned across her husband to chat with Barack.

10 The row of political adversaries stiffened up when the Trumps arrived Credit: AP:Associated Press

"Hillary and Michelle had been emphatically tactile and friendly before they took their seats, with Hillary placing one splayed hand over her heart as she spoke and the two women standing with their arms round one another at one point."

But when political rival Trump arrived, the group all stiffened up - looking as "stiff as Mount Rushmore".

She said: "Barack's chin went up and his mouth clamped shut. Michelle sat rigid beside him while Bill turned to Hilary and rubbed her arm fondly in what looked like a gesture of affection and reassurance.

"Trump and his wife walked hand in hand down the aisle and received an upturned mouth shrug of acknowledgement from Barack as they walked past.

10 The Obamas and Clintons looked much more relaxed prior to Trump's arrival Credit: Reuters

10 Obama and his former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hug prior to the ceremony beginning Credit: Reuters

10 Former Vice President Al Gore, left, greets former President Bill Clinton as his wife shakes hands with former Vice President Joe Biden, right Credit: AP:Associated Press

"The pressure appeared to tell in Trump's body language.

"Sitting with his legs splayed he placed his hands in a forward steeple position between his knees and proceeded to tap his fingertips together which is a gesture normally associated with impatience."

Bush Snr's passing and funeral today brought together all of Washington DC with both sides of the political spectrum praising his lifetime of civic service.

It also was the first time the five remaining members of the exclusive "formers" fraternity - Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter - appeared together with Trump since his inauguration in 2017.

10 Guards stands post around the casket of former US President George H.W. Bush in Washington DC Credit: EPA

10 The former Republican President passed away on Friday Credit: AP:Associated Press

10 Independent Senator from Maine Angus King pays his respects to former US President George H.W. Bush Credit: EPA

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Trump has sought to meet the elder Bush's passing with grace, a contrast to his confrontational behaviour since taking office.

Recalling the funerals for Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, they all sat together in Washington National Cathedral, with the exception of the younger Bush, who will be seated nearby with his family.

10 All living former presidents attended the state funeral today Credit: Reuters

10 Jenna Bush Hager touches her grandfather's coffin Credit: EPA

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