UK Royal Family Hosts State Banquet for Trump After Nine-Month Preparation

During the state visit of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to the United Kingdom, Princess Kate and Queen Camilla took great care to avoid fashion clashes with the First Lady. Planning for the visit, especially the state banquet at Windsor Castle, reportedly took between eight and nine months, with close coordination between the royal and Trump offices regarding outfit colors. Traditionally, Queen Camilla and the late Queen Elizabeth II have worn off-white dresses for such events, while Kate Middleton prefers more colorful attire. Melania Trump wore a Christian Dior Haute Couture dark gray skirt suit, and Kate complemented the event with a feather brooch once owned by Princess Diana. A moment during the visit highlighted a brief social awkwardness when Melania shifted her attention from Queen Camilla to greet Kate Middleton. The event was marked by royal pomp, including military parades and a flypast by the Red Arrows, underscoring the significance of the Trumps’ state visit.