After forging a close bond with the Princess of Wales, Melania Trump may also have found a friend in the Queen. Camilla, 77, is accompanying King Charles on a four-day state visit to the United States in what is shaping up to be a stunning display of the monarchy's soft diplomacy. The King, 78, was at his wittiest best during last night's state banquet as he delivered hilarious quips about the Boston Tea Party and the United States' shared history with the UK, after charming the American leader over Earl Grey tea.
A Budding Friendship
But Camilla's role in upholding the UK's 'special relationship' with the US after an especially challenging time cannot be understated after she seemingly wooed the First Lady, 56, while carrying out joint engagements yesterday. Despite a 22-year age difference, videos and photos from Washington DC showed the pair exchanging secret smiles, sharing laughs together, and even wearing mirroring outfits - an important milestone in any female friendship.
Both Camilla and Melania opted to wear similar-coloured ensembles for the King and Queen's official welcome ceremony at the White House yesterday in a sartorial display of unity, according to some experts. The First Lady exuded elegance in an off-white skirt suit from Ralph Lauren that she paired with snakeskin Manolo Blahnik heels, and a wide-brimmed boater from American brand Javits. In a seemingly coordinated look, Camilla picked the lightest green silk coat dress by Fiona Clare that sent a message of 'synergy, solidarity, and serenity' on the world stage, according to The Times.
Coordinated Appearances
Queen Camilla and Melania Trump seemingly put on a sartorial display of 'unity' by wearing off-white outfits. Their camaraderie was on full display as the Queen planted a kiss on both of Melania's cheeks, with the pair once again seemingly coordinating their looks. President Trump and Melania rolled out the red carpet for King Charles and Queen Camilla on Tuesday morning, ahead of His Majesty's historic address before the US Congress and state banquet celebrating the United States's 250th birthday.
After standing for the nations' national anthems, Camilla and Melania were spotted whispering to each other as Her Majesty's comments saw the famously poker-faced First Lady break into a smile. Afterwards, Camilla joined Melania for 'cross-cultural engagement' highlighting new technologies in education while Charles and President Trump held bilateral talks inside the Oval Office. The First Lady was especially chatty as the pair tested out virtual reality headsets and AI-enabled devices during a meeting with American school students at the White House tennis pavilion. Offered the special glasses, Mrs Trump tried them on and declared the effects were 'incredible' before she and Camilla happily mingled with guests gathered at the tennis pavilion.
Evening Gala
They were all smiles as they posed for group photos before reuniting later that evening for a state reception hosted in honour of Their Majesties on the day America turned 250. Their camaraderie was on full display as the Queen planted a kiss on both of Melania's cheeks, with the pair once again seemingly coordinating their looks. This time, both Melania and Camilla donned pink gowns that were similar enough to underscore their earlier message of 'harmony, cooperation, and warmth' yet different enough that neither woman risked overshadowing the other. During the ceremonial welcome, Camilla and Melania were spotted whispering to each other as Her Majesty's comments saw the famously poker-faced First Lady break into a smile.
A History of Encounters
The ongoing state visit marks Camilla and Melania's third together after the Trumps travelled to the United Kingdom last September. At the time, Melania's friendship with Kate was 'front and centre' with the women seemingly having multiple common interests. Both are known for their eye-catching fashion sense which was on show in force this week. And Kate and Melania both work closely with children's charities and have been strong advocates for child wellbeing initiatives. The Princess of Wales has worked on a campaign through the Royal Foundation to promote the importance of learning during the early years of childhood. While Melania during her first tenure as First Lady launched the Be Best campaign to tackle cyberbullying among children and promote the safe use of social media.
At the time, body language expert Judi James noted that Melania, who was more 'playful' around the princess, appeared reserved and maintained a stoic demeanor when seen conversing with Queen Camilla. 'We saw a much less relaxed-looking version of Melania when she was being shown around Windsor Castle by the Queen,' Judi exclusively told the Daily Mail at the time. Any 'awkwardness' has since seemingly dissipated.
Warm Welcome
After their low-key arrival in Washington DC on Monday, Camilla and Charles were whisked away to the White House's Green Room so they could catch up with the president and first lady over steaming cups of tea. A photo showed Melania and Camilla sharing a good-natured laugh while enjoying a selection of scones together. Royal fans picked up on what appears to be a new chapter in the women's public friendship, as one X user noted: 'You can see that Camilla and Melania have a real relationship, they are very warm with each other.'
