Since taking the throne, King Charles has made no secret of his wish to bring a lighter, more approachable touch to the monarchy. On walkabouts he regularly stops to chat, trades quips with bystanders, and doesn’t mind a bit of gentle humor. That same easy manner was on display when he welcomed Donald and Melania Trump to Windsor for their second state visit this week.
Trump’s invitation arrived in July, and on September 16 the president and first lady touched down in the UK—an unusual second state visit for a U.S. president. The couple were greeted first by Prince William and Princess Kate before meeting the king and Queen Camilla. While the president and King Charles spent substantial time together, Melania also joined engagements with Kate and Camilla.
Charles’s habit of friendly asides is well known. In one widely shared moment last December, he surprised American tourists in Notting Hill, apologizing for holding up foot traffic and joking about the dreary weather: “You’re not getting too wet, I hope?” It turns out he brings the same warmth to high-profile guests.
As the Trumps arrived at Windsor Castle, Melania’s look immediately drew attention: a tailored gray Dior suit topped with a wide-brimmed purple hat that often shaded her eyes. According to forensic lipreader Nicola Hickling, Donald Trump opened with a formal greeting—“How are you doing, it’s a pleasure, Your Majesty. Thank you for inviting me.”—before Charles turned to the first lady with a playful line: “I do hope the wind doesn’t blow away your hat.” Melania’s response was a genuine, hearty laugh.
Her choice of headwear quickly sparked chatter, just as a similarly dramatic hat did at Trump’s 2017 inauguration. Stylist and Vogue contributor Marian Kwei suggested the accessory was strategic: a sweeping brim that keeps the spotlight on her husband’s agenda while nodding to classic royal etiquette. Even the color seemed coordinated—Trump wore a purple tie that matched the shade of Melania’s hat.
The visit itself was steeped in ceremony. The king invited the president to review a Guard of Honour drawn from three regiments of the Household Division in Windsor’s Quadrangle, and the presidential couple paid their respects with a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s grave before concluding the day at a state banquet.
What’s your take on Charles’s approachable style—and that quick quip to Melania? Share your thoughts in the comments on Facebook.