Kate Middleton and Melania Trump forge closer bond during UK state visit
Princess of Wales and First Lady bond over shared interests in fashion and child welfare during the second state visit, highlighted by garden moments, Scouts activities, and a courteous gesture at dinner.
London — Kate Middleton and Melania Trump appear to have formed a closer bond during Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom, sharing relaxed exchanges and moments that have sparked chatter about a budding friendship. A highlight in Frogmore Gardens drew attention when Melania was seen chatting with Queen Camilla before Middleton arrived to greet the First Lady, prompting an animated exchange as the Princess of Wales joined the conversation.
During their Windsor outing, the two women walked with the Scouts Squirrels, a four- to five-year-old subset working toward the Go Wild badge. Middleton, joint president of the Scouts with the Duke of Kent since 2020, helped lead activities and organized a special packed lunch for the youngsters. The lunches featured honey harvested by the Wales family from their hives at Anmer Hall. The First Lady handed out jars of White House honey to each child as a memento of the day.
Later that evening, both women attended the state banquet but were not seated together. Middleton sat next to Trump while Melania were seated with Prince William and Camilla. Prince William was seen pulling out Melania’s chair as she took her seat at the dinner table. Observers noted that this visit marked the first time Kate and Melania had taken part in official engagements together; at the 2019 state visit, the pair did not appear together, likely due to Kate’s evolving role at the time. The palace suggested there are no immediate plans for future collaborations, but left open the possibility of more meetings.
Body language experts noted a noticeable shift in Melania’s demeanor depending on her conversation partner. Judi James, who spoke to the Daily Mail, said Melania appeared reserved when speaking with Queen Camilla, describing the moment as lacking the easy, open banter of the Kate-Melania exchanges. James highlighted an overall choreography that showed awkward moments but also suggested Kate’s approach helped unlock a warmer side of the First Lady. According to James, Middleton’s technique — to mirror, pace and lead — appeared to bring out a more relaxed, playful Melania who offered a broader, more authentic smile than her usual guarded expression.
Beyond the social dynamics, the encounter underscored shared interests. Both women are known for their fashion sense and for their work with children’s charities and wellbeing initiatives. The Princess of Wales has championed early childhood learning through the Royal Foundation, while Melania Trump launched the Be Best campaign to tackle cyberbullying and promote safe online behavior. The two have been observed discussing these themes during their time together, underscoring potential common ground beyond the optics of fashion and ceremony.
Officials described the second visit as a chance to strengthen ties between the royal family and the U.S. administration, with the White House signaling that the First Lady and Kate would be front and center during portions of the trip. While no formal plans for continued collaboration were announced, the impression left by their interactions was one of warmth and mutual respect, with both women appearing comfortable in each other’s company and with the broader royal milieu.