Queen Camilla momentarily found herself in a rather awkward position today, as she joined King Charles in welcoming Donald and Melania Trump to Windsor Castle for the couple’s historic second official state visit.
In the Windsor estate’s Walled Garden, Camilla, 78, and the First Lady, 55, appeared deep in conversation as they stood on the steps, with the King and President Trump close by.
However, when Melania, 55, spotted the Princess of Wales approaching, the President’s wife quickly turned in Kate’s direction to greet her, apparently calling time on her chat with the Queen.
And Kate reciprocated, leaving Prince William behind as she headed straight for the First Lady.
An animated conversation between Melania and Kate followed, with Queen Camilla left looking on.
Prince William and Kate had previously escorted the President and First Lady on the short walk across the grass, onto the gravel path outside Victoria House where the King and Queen were waiting.
Camilla, who was forced to sit the Duchess of Kent’s funeral out due to ill health yesterday, wore a vibrant sapphire blue dress with a matching coat by Fiona Clare and hat by Philip Treacy, as well as a sapphire and diamond brooch.
Meanwhile, Kate opted for a Emilia Wickstead dress, paired with a Jane Taylor dress and a studded diamond and emerald feather brooch, that had once belonged to Princess Diana.
Third wheel: Kate Middleton (pictured, left) is seen animatedly chatting to First Lady Melania Trump (pictured, right) as Queen Camilla (pictured, centre) looks on at Windsor Castle today
And the First Lady looked effortlessly chic in a Christian Dior Haute Couture dark grey skirt suit that flared out at the waist and fell just below her knees.
She wore her blonde tresses in a slick bun that was largely hidden by a wide-brimmed wool hat in a brighter purple hue.
Melania was expertly poised in her heels as she walked alongside Donald, Prince William and Princess Kate in the Walled Garden on the Windsor estate.
Kate wore her newly bronde hair in loose waves that cascaded down her back, after making the style statement of the Autumn season by switching up her signature brunette locks.
The princess appears currently to favour Chanel purses, after she picked a black design for the Duchess of Kent’s funeral yesterday.
In addition to the deep wine-coloured Classic Flap Bag in quilted leather that she carried today, Kate also accessorised with a pair of dainty ruby earrings.
She finished her look with dark brown suede pumps from Gianvito Rossi, another brand that Kate favours.
Earlier this week, a Trump spokesperson said the couple was ‘thrilled’ that Kate would be ‘front and centre’ during the state visit.
The Princess of Wales in conversation with Melania Trump, wearing all black, while Queen Camilla opted for a sapphire blue dress by Fiona Clare
Kate adjusted her long ‘bronde’ locks as she chatted with Melania and the Queen
Britain’s Queen Camilla and US first lady Melania Trump sit in a carriage during a procession through Windsor Castle. Melania looked effortlessly chic in a Christian Dior Haute Couture dark gray skirt suit that flared out at the waist and fell just below her knees
Kate Middleton, 43, is resplendent in a red Emilia Wickstead dress that she paired with a hat by Jane Taylor for today’s high-profile engagement that marks the start of Donald and Melania Trump’s state visit to the UK
Kate standing alongside William at the state visit in Windsor today
Earlier this week, a Trump source said, ‘The President and First Lady are thrilled that the Princess of Wales will play such a prominent role in their visit’. The Princess is seen chatting with Mr Trump shortly after he arrived in Windsor
‘The inclusion of Princess Kate in so many events during the state visit is an honour.
‘The Trumps very much hoped she would be part of their visit but nothing was confirmed until this week because of the princess’s health situation.’
Kate is currently in remission from an undisclosed form of cancer as she continues her steady return to public life after receiving treatment.
It’s unsurprising that Kate picked Emilia Wickstead for today’s engagement, with the royal frequently turning to the New Zealand-born designer to dress her.
One of Kate’s favourite dresses from Emilia Wickstead is a long-sleeved, A-line frock that she was first seen wearing in 2018.
While Kate debuted the design – that has been named after her – in a lilac variant, she loves the dress so much that she bought it in three other colours.
Kate also owns an Emilia Wickstead coat dress in three different colours. She has been spotted wearing variations of the outfit since 2012.
Crafted from wool, the elegant fit-and-flare silhouette is characterised by a wrap front, peak lapels and concealed closure.
Kate aptly wore the design in forest green for the 2012 St Patrick’s Day parade held in Aldershot.
Ten years later, in 2022, she opted for a pastel blue version to attend the Easter Sunday church service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
That same year, she made a sartorial entrance at a Buckingham Palace garden party, this time wearing the dress in bright coral.
Today’s variant, however, was a brand new addition to Kate’s wardrobe as the royal, who is known for repurposing her outfits, looked stunning in the pleated, calf-length coat dress.
