Melania Trump forms different bonds with Kate and Camilla during UK state visit

During her historic state visit to the United Kingdom this week, Melania Trump has shown markedly different dynamics with two senior royals. A body language expert said the First Lady appeared reserved and formal around Queen Camilla, while appearing more relaxed and animated in the company of Princess Kate.

Judi James, a body language consultant, told the Daily Mail there were moments of awkwardness as Melania toured Windsor Castle with the Queen, with the First Lady maintaining elegant but formal poses. "We saw a much less relaxed-looking version of Melania when she was being shown around Windsor Castle by the Queen," James said. She added that there were "fewer moments of emotional 'prods' like jokes or easygoing laughter" and suggested Melania may have anticipated constant formality from Camilla, with little mirroring to suggest any deeper, more empathetic friendship.

By contrast, James described Melania's time with Kate as opening up a more playful side. "Melania's time with Kate opened up her more playful side," the expert noted, citing Kate inviting Melania to meet with the Scouts Squirrels on Thursday morning before the two joined Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers. The two women were photographed with the youngest members of the UK Scouting organization in front of Frogmore House, and observers described the mood as warm and engaged.

James said Kate's approach appears to be a deliberate social technique. "Kate's non-verbal technique seems to be to 'mirror, pace and lead'—having first shown Melania more formal and elegant behavior before easing into a relaxed, playful version that encourages the First Lady to follow," she explained. She added that Kate's 'total immersion' with the children—kneeling, talking and joining in activities—helped charm Melania and prompted a more relatable display from her. The observer described Melania's shift as an "endearing, more relatable version of Melania" with a more authentic smile, closer to Kate's than to her usual guarded expression.

During the outing, Kate's demeanor was noted for balancing formality with approachability. The Princess of Wales reportedly swapped in a down-to-earth, kid-friendly routine, drawing Melania into the moment and encouraging her to relax. While Kate still maintained a polished appearance, she avoided her own iconic jeans-and-boots look in favor of a Ralph Lauren skirt, a khaki suede jacket and a brown cashmere vest, signaling a pragmatic, yet stylish, tone for the day.

The visit also highlighted a brief, momentary social pivot at Windsor Castle when Kate’s attention seemed to pull Melania away from Camilla. Kate moved toward the First Lady, and the Queen appeared momentarily left to find another conversational partner before joining the evolving discussion. On the following day, Camilla hosted Melania on a tour of Windsor’s Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and later the Royal Library, continuing formal engagements that underscored the ceremonial dimension of the state visit.

Taken together, the events illustrate how royal hosts shape the tempo and tone of international hospitality and diplomacy through nonverbal cues and moment-to-moment interaction. Observers say Kate’s more informal, child-centered approach appears to have helped draw out a warmer, more relaxed Melania, while Camilla’s role remains centered on traditional, ceremonial protocol. The contrasts observed during this week’s engagements could contribute to a nuanced public narrative about U.S.-UK ties during the visit, adding depth to the diplomatic messaging conveyed by the First Lady on the world stage.