Kate Middleton and Prince William Spark Fan Debate With Special Welcome for President Trump

In a display of diplomacy Prince William and Princess Catherine greeted President Donald Trump and Melania at Windsor Castle, but online opinions clashed.

Today, on September 17, as the President of the United States, Donald Trump and First Lady Melania were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, class and style were on full display.

Today’s visit began as Marine One, the presidential helicopter, touched down on the grounds of Windsor Castle’s Walled Garden, where Prince William and Princess Catherine stood ready as the first royal welcoming party. As they exited the helicopter, the Trumps were met with warm smiles and firm handshakes.

William, in a deep grey suit and a rich burgundy, exuded steady composure, while Catherine’s striking burgundy suit and matching hat offered a poised, autumnal elegance that complemented the castle’s historic backdrop.

A few moments later, they joined King Charles III, who was wearing a navy suit, and Queen Camilla, in a royal blue dress and hat that evoked timeless British sophistication. Melania Trump rounded out the style icons in a perfectly tailored suit topped with a deep purple hat, which matched President Trump’s coordinating tie.

Watch the moment in this Instagram shared by @princeandprincessofwales:

Yet, the greeting by the Prince and Princess of Wales quickly ignited a lively debate across social media, with a wide range of sentiments.

Fans buzzed over the apparent color coordination among the women. One commenter encapsulated the enthusiasm: “Clearly Kate & Melania colour coordinated. All three women looked elegant and beautiful. I salute them all.”

Donald Trump Breaks Royal Protocol While Greeting Kate Middleton & Prince William

The president and his wife, Melania Trump, arrived in the U.K. on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Michelle Stein

Some expressed frustration amid the ongoing rift with Prince Harry. Viewer @vpullinger responded, “I have lost all respect for the royal family after this. They ostracize their own brother and uncle, but welcome his partner in crime with all this? Disgusting.”

Pockets of empathy for the royals surfaced amid the fray. Viewer @Elyashkoalla remarked, “I’m really sorry you all had to go through that.”

Advocates, meanwhile, celebrated the display as a beacon of civility.

@lannetucker shared, “A beautiful display of dignity and class. I applaud the diplomacy and hospitality shown and the conversations that would no doubt follow – hopefully with kindness and open-mindedness. Something sorely lacking in this world today. Love or hate the Royal Family or Trump, they are trying to set an example here.”

Purpose of the Presidential Visit

This state visit for President Trump aims to reinforce the U.S.-U.K. “special relationship” amid key issues like post-Brexit trade, NATO pacts, climate efforts, and security. Hosted at Windsor Castle—while Buckingham Palace is renovated—the agenda mixes ceremony with talks.

Today’s events at Windsor affirm that international ties often hinge on these finely tuned moments, with hats included.