A striking moment played out between Queen Camilla and Princess Kate as they greeted First Lady Melania Trump during the ceremonial welcome for the US State Visit at Windsor Castle.
On September 17, President Donald Trump and Mrs Trump landed by helicopter to begin their three-day visit to the UK.
Prince William and Princess Kate, both 43, were the first royals to meet them on the castle grounds before escorting the couple to King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Victoria House.
Video from the welcome showed the President, 79, and First Lady, 55, exchanging warm greetings with the King, 76, the Queen, 78, and senior aides Sir Clive Alderton and Sophie Densham.
Queen Camilla appears to usher Princess Kate away during Melania chat | GETTY / GB NEWSAs conversations broke off, the US President began speaking with King Charles, while Camilla and Mrs Trump started their own chat.
Princess Kate soon stepped over to join Camilla and Mrs Trump, engaging the First Lady in conversation while the Queen watched quietly and glanced around.
After a short exchange, Queen Camilla gave a discreet sweep of her hand, a gentle signal for Kate to move along.
Princess Kate appeared to say goodbye to Mrs Trump before rejoining Prince William, who was deep in discussion with the King and President Trump.
Queen Camilla watched on as Princess Kate and Melania spoke
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The moment unfolded amid the pageantry of a full ceremonial welcome.
More than 1,500 members of the armed forces from across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force took part, lining the route through the Windsor grounds.
Tri-service bands, Corps of Drums and the Massed Bands of the Household Division performed as a 41-gun salute thundered both from the castle grounds and from the Tower of London to mark the occasion.
The formal greetings also set the stage for the grand carriage procession.
Queen Camilla was speaking to Melania first before Kate approached the duo
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Princess Kate skips public curtsy to King Charles and Queen Camilla | GETTYKing Charles and President Trump led the parade in the Irish State Coach, while Queen Camilla and Mrs Trump followed in the Scottish State Coach.
Prince William and Princess Kate travelled behind them in the Semi-State Landau alongside US ambassador Warren Stephens and his wife.
Crowds gathered along the route to watch the procession enter the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle, where a Guard of Honour commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Storm Green of the Coldstream Guards stood ready.
Inside Windsor Castle, the day’s schedule included a private luncheon and a wreath-laying at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II. The evening highlight is the glittering state banquet in St George’s Hall, where more than 160 guests are expected.
The state visit marks the second time King Charles has hosted Donald Trump since becoming monarch in 2022, underscoring the close diplomatic ties between the U.K. and the United States.
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