The British royal family rolled out the red carpet for U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during their second state visit to the United Kingdom, from September 17 to 19, 2025. Hosted primarily at Windsor Castle, the itinerary featured grand ceremonies, private meetings, and a state banquet attended by over 160 guests. The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, played a starring role, welcoming the Trumps alongside Prince William and showcasing her diplomatic finesse. Yet, a fleeting moment of perceived protocol breach sparked online buzz—only to be swiftly clarified as standard international etiquette. Melania’s subsequent statements and joint outing with Kate underscored mutual admiration and shared priorities, turning potential controversy into a highlight of transatlantic goodwill.

Setting the Stage for Diplomacy and Pageantry

State visits are masterclasses in pomp and soft power, blending military honors with cultural exchanges to reinforce alliances. The Trumps arrived at Stansted Airport on September 16, 2025, before heading to Windsor Castle via Marine One helicopter. Prince William and Princess Kate greeted them on the grounds, followed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla for an official welcome. A 41-gun salute echoed from Windsor and the Tower of London, accompanied by a flyover from the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows. The group then processed by carriage through cheering crowds, echoing the grandeur of the Trumps’ 2019 visit but under King Charles’s reign.

The Trumps’ enthusiasm for Kate’s involvement was evident pre-arrival. Reports noted their “immense delight” at her prominent role, viewing her as a bridge for U.S.-U.K. relations given her poise and global appeal. As joint president of the Scout Association since 2020 and a former Brownie, Kate’s expertise in youth initiatives made her an ideal partner for engagements focused on children.

The “Snub” That Wasn’t: Decoding the Curtsy Controversy

Eagle-eyed viewers spotted a potential faux pas during the formal greetings: Melania shook hands with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate instead of curtsying. Social media erupted with speculation of a deliberate slight toward the royals, particularly Kate, fueling headlines about a “snub.” For context, curtsying is a traditional gesture of respect within the Commonwealth, often performed by British women upon meeting senior royals. However, it’s not mandatory—and certainly not for foreign dignitaries.

Royal historian Marlene Koenig, a leading voice on protocol, quickly debunked the drama. Speaking to HELLO! and other outlets, she explained: “It’s not customary for Americans or indeed people from countries where King Charles is not the sovereign to curtsy or bow.” This stems from the American Revolution’s ethos of equality, where deference to monarchs is eschewed. The Royal Family’s website reinforces this flexibility: “There are no obligatory codes” for greetings; handshakes are perfectly acceptable. President Trump similarly shook hands without bowing, consistent with his 2018 and 2019 visits.

Interestingly, Kate herself skipped her usual curtsy to the King during the arrival, opting for informality amid the international context—another nod to protocol’s adaptability. The moment, far from a rift, highlighted cultural nuances rather than discord.

Melania Breaks Her Silence: Admiration for Kate Shines Through

Addressing the chatter directly, Melania’s team issued a statement emphasizing her excitement for collaborating with Kate. Her office told HELLO!: Melania is “really looking forward to the engagement, calling it ‘absolutely’ the highlight of her visit to the UK.” This came ahead of their joint outing, signaling genuine enthusiasm rather than tension. Sources described Melania as “giddy” in Kate’s presence, captivated by her “radiance and beauty.” At the state banquet, Trump himself praised Kate as “radiant and healthy” in his speech, drawing a subtle smile from her.

The Trumps and Waleses also held an unannounced private meeting post-lunch on September 17, fostering deeper ties away from the spotlight. These interactions painted a picture of warmth, dispelling any “snub” narrative.

A Shared Passion: Joint Engagement at Frogmore Gardens

The visit’s emotional peak arrived on September 18, when Kate and Melania teamed up for a low-key yet meaningful outing at Frogmore Gardens, the historic grounds near Frogmore House. Joined by Chief Scout Dwayne Fields, they engaged with 20 Squirrel Scouts (ages 4-6) from Lewisham, south-east London, who were earning their “Go Wild” badge through nature activities.

The women dove in hands-on: Kate sat on the grass chatting about conkers (horse chestnuts) from family walks, while Melania joined kids building “bug hotels” from cardboard and tubes, and leaf-printing artwork. One child led Melania to a table, exclaiming over her drawings; another asked her an “unfiltered” question about her favorite animal, prompting laughter. They played parachute games and hosted a picnic with Kate’s homemade sandwiches using honey from the Wales family’s Anmer Hall hives—Melania reciprocated with White House honey jars for each child.

The badge ceremony was a tender finale: Kate and Melania presented “Go Wild” badges to the scouts, who in turn awarded them Squirrels patches. Fields praised Kate’s “personable” interactions and noted Melania’s reminiscences of her own childhood artwork. This synergy tied directly to Melania’s “Be Best” initiative, launched in 2018 to promote children’s well-being, combat bullying, and address opioid abuse. Her office linked it to the outing: “The first lady cares about the wellness and well-being of children worldwide… something that Mrs. Trump demonstrated in the first term and wants to continue to enhance.” Though no second term materialized in this timeline, her commitment endures, mirroring Kate’s advocacy for early childhood development.

Prior to joining Kate, Melania toured Windsor Castle’s Royal Library and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House with Queen Camilla, viewing miniature treasures and schoolchildren’s illustrated books—another child-focused highlight.

Broader Ties: Banquets, Honors, and Reflections

The state banquet on September 17 at Windsor Castle was a sartorial spectacle. Kate dazzled in a golden Jenny Packham gown with the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara, seated beside Trump. Melania opted for a butter-yellow crepe column gown by Carolina Herrera with a pink belt, positioned between William and Camilla. King Charles toasted the “remarkable bond” between nations, quipping about nearly marrying a presidential daughter in his youth. The Trumps laid a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb in St. George’s Chapel and enjoyed a choir performance.

One minor awkwardness: Camilla appeared to usher Kate aside mid-chat with Melania during greetings, possibly enforcing procession order. Yet, the overall vibe was collaborative. Tiffany Trump, seated lower in the procession than expected, drew separate “snub” whispers, but family dynamics aside, the event celebrated unity.

A Modern Blueprint for Royal Diplomacy

This visit exemplified evolving protocol: flexible, inclusive, and issue-driven. The curtsy “controversy” fizzled under expert scrutiny, revealing more about public expectations than actual slights. Kate and Melania’s Frogmore bonding—over bugs, badges, and child welfare—transcended politics, embodying soft power’s potential. As Trump met Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers on parallel tracks, the women’s agenda highlighted universal values.

What do you think of the curtsy clarification or Kate and Melania’s scout adventure? Does this visit signal stronger U.S.-U.K. ties? Share below!

Sources: Compiled from BBC, People, Daily Mail, HELLO!, and other outlets as cited inline.