Britain’s Princess of Wales appears to have cultivated a 'fun and relaxed' rapport with First Lady Melania Trump during this week’s state visit, UK body language expert Judi James said. The assessment comes as the two women toured Windsor and, later, joined a glittering state banquet with senior royals. James suggested Kate’s steady, animated form of conversation indicated a thawing dynamic, with the future queen seeming more at ease in Melania’s company than in earlier formal moments of the visit. The first couple of days of the trip have featured a mix of ceremonial grandeur and more intimate engagements, giving observers a glimpse of how the two women interact in different settings.
On Thursday the pair shared a more relaxed, one-on-one engagement with members of the Scouts’ Squirrels in Frogmore Gardens, where video footage showed an active, enthusiastic and animated conversation between Kate and Melania. In the casual setting, Kate appeared in high spirits, gesturing with emphasis as she spoke, while Melania listened with a poised, engaged expression. The First Lady, who swapped her usual heels for flats for the afternoon, appeared to enjoy the private moment with the Princess of Wales, which contrasted with the formalities of the state banquet that preceded it.
Earlier in the week, footage of Windsor during the state visit captured an awkward moment in the private Walled Garden as Queen Camilla apparently signalled Kate to step back. The scene showed Camilla finishing a conversation with Melania while Charles and Donald Trump stood nearby, and then, within moments, Kate approached and joined the group. Judi James described Camilla’s gesture as 'pulling rank' and 'shooing Kate away', a quick hand-flap that left Camilla looking momentarily left out as Melania turned toward Kate. The analysis suggested the move was not a warm nudge, but a firm signal intended to maintain the flow of the conversation around the First Lady and the King.
Analysts stressed that interpretations vary. Richard Fitzwilliams pointed out that the gesture could have a perfectly innocent explanation, noting that royals are often courteous to one another in public and that distance can distort perception. He added that the carriage arrangements, including a horse-drawn wagon seen nearby, might have influenced Camilla’s timing and the perceived departure.
Attire and sequence of events underscored the blend of formality and informality. Kate’s afternoon look included an Emilia Wickstead dress paired with a Jane Taylor hat and a studded diamond and emerald brooch, while Melania opted for flats to accompany Kate in a more casual pairing. Earlier in the day the First Lady wore a Dior Haute Couture ensemble for the formal components of the visit, and Camilla wore sapphire blue with coordinating accessories. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge accompanied the President and First Lady into Windsor, with the royal couple hosting the First Lady for parts of the program, including a visit to Victoria House and a formal state banquet that evening attended by senior royals including Princess Anne. In the Scouts engagement, Kate and Melania led a badge presentation for the Squirrels, youngsters in the UK Scouting program, and hosted a picnic, while Kate had arranged a special packed lunch featuring honey produced by the Wales family hives at Anmer Hall. The First Lady brought jars of White House honey as mementos for the children. The focus on children’s wellbeing has been central to both women, who share a long-standing commitment to connecting young people with nature and outdoor learning. The state visit, detailed by Buckingham Palace, runs through today and is highlighted by a schedule that blends ceremonial grandeur with intimate, hands-on experiences.}