Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Donald Trump, and Melania Trump | Source: Getty Images
The Most Interesting and Controversial Moments from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's State Visit to the U.K. in 45+ Photos
From icy glances to bold fashion, the American president and first lady's state visit to the U.K. had it all. See the most interesting, awkward, and controversial moments with the royal family captured in unforgettable photos.
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When President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump touched down in the United Kingdom for a historic state visit, the world expected tradition, diplomacy, and choreographed elegance.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump with King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla as they watch The Red Arrows during the Beating Retreat Ceremony on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
But what unfolded behind the palace gates was something far more compelling. Join us as we break down the captivating moments, with the most unforgettable and controversial at the end.
Donald Trump, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Melania Trump during a visit to the Royal Collection exhibition on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
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Regal Glamour – and Shade – at the State Banquet
It was an evening of glittering gowns, royal jewels, and possible jabs as Donald and Melania made their high-profile entrance into Windsor Castle for a lavish State Banquet — and the drama began almost immediately.
Queen Camilla and King Charles III with Donald and Melania Trump at the State Banquet on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
King Charles III and Queen Camilla commanded the evening in full regalia. His Majesty looked every inch the monarch in a tailcoat adorned with ceremonial sashes and medals, while the queen dazzled in a deep blue gown, crowned with a diamond tiara and royal insignia.
Queen Camilla at the State Banquet on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
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But all eyes turned when Melania swept into the grand hall wearing a canary yellow off-the-shoulder gown, cinched at the waist with a lavender belt — a bold, diplomatic fashion statement that held its own amid centuries of royal tradition.
Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania at the State Banquet on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
First Lady Melania Trump at the State Banquet on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
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As for the Prince and Princess of Wales, they brought a fresh wave of royal elegance — Prince William in a military-style coat with red accents, while Princess Catherine sparkled in a shimmering cream-and-gold gown, complete with a tiara and sash.
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales at the State Banquet during the state visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
Catherine, Princess of Wales, at the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle during the state visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
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Then came a moment that set royal watchers ablaze. During a toast, Donald singled out William as "really amazing," predicting he'd have "an unbelievable amount of success in the future." He added that William was "a remarkable son" — while pointedly omitting any mention of Prince Harry.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
Ceremonial Moments and Royal Excursions
From the Beating Retreat ceremony to a private tour of the Royal Collection, Donald and Melania's state visit was meticulously crafted and visually spectacular.
Donald Trump, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Melania Trump during a visit to the Royal Collection exhibition on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
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President Donald Trump with King Charles III and Queen Camilla viewing items on display during a visit to the Royal Collection exhibition at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
The First Lady stunned in a sharp dark suit and wide-brimmed hat, standing in striking contrast to Queen Camilla's cobalt ensemble. Both Donald and King Charles III opted for understated navy suits.
Melania Trump, Donald Trump, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla at the ceremonial welcome during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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Queen Camilla, King Charles III, President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump at the Beating Retreat military ceremony at Windsor Castle during the state visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Moments of Unexpected Camaraderie
Amid the pomp and protocol, the visit also offered several lighter moments between the American president and King Charles III that hinted at a surprising ease between the two men.
King Charles III and President Donald Trump watching a Beating Retreat military ceremony on the East Lawn at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
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First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump joined by King Charles and Queen Camilla during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Whether sharing a chuckle, toasting side-by-side, or riding together in the royal carriage, the pair were frequently seen walking in step, gesturing animatedly, or exchanging knowing glances.
President Donald Trump and King Charles III during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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King Charles III and President Donald Trump in a carriage during a procession through Windsor Castle during the state visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
From military processions to candlelit banquets, their body language told a deeper story — one of comfortable alliance, perhaps even unexpected friendship.
King Charles III and President Donald Trump at the Ceremonial Welcome during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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King Charles III and President Donald Trump reviewing the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle on day two of the US President Donald Trump's state visit to the UK on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
King Charles III with Donald and Melania Trump at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Donald Trump and King Charles III during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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Donald Trump and King Charles III, along with the Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Donald Trump and King Charles III during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Behind the Formalities
Also behind the formal handshakes and polished speeches were unguarded expressions and fleeting glances. At the banquet, His Majesty was caught casting a side-eye beyond Donald.
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King Charles III glancing while standing beside President Donald Trump and Catherine, Princess of Wales, during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
In a separate instance, the Prince and Princess of Wales were photographed laughing freely during a carriage ride — genuinely animated in a way rarely seen amid all the prestige.
William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, during the carriage procession through the Windsor Estate at Windsor Castle during the State visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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Even inside the palace, things weren't always picture-perfect. Donald caught mid-sentence, Melania quietly smiling in the background, and Queen Camilla standing stoically beside a slightly distracted King — every image was a tiny crack in the polished veneer of diplomacy.
While these unguarded moments didn't shatter protocol, they did humanize the visit.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle during a state visit on September 18, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
First Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla touring Queen Mary's Dolls' House and the Royal Library during the State visit by the President and First Lady of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 18, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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President Donald Trump reviewing the Guard of Honour after arrival at Windsor Castle on day two of the US President's state visit to the UK on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
A Surprise Appearance
In a twist no one saw coming, Tiffany Trump made an appearance at the State Banquet, and she brought a high-powered escort — Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Draped in a royal blue off-the-shoulder gown studded with beading, Tiffany's presence was as poised as it was unexpected.
Tiffany Trump and Tim Cook, Apple CEO, during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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Tiffany Trump and Tim Cook, Apple CEO, during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
All Eyes on the Princess
During the State Banquet, one recurring theme didn't go unnoticed by royal watchers — Donald's pointed attention toward the Princess of Wales.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and President Donald Trump during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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Seated beside Catherine, he was caught on camera turning toward her repeatedly, exchanging glances, and raising his glass in her direction from behind floral centerpieces.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and President Donald Trump during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
A Presidential Compliment
The American president's interactions with the princess were also the center of attention before the State Banquet.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and William, Prince of Wales, greeting Donald Trump upon his arrival at the grounds of Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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Catherine, Princess of Wales, and William, Prince of Wales, greeting Donald and Melania Trump upon their arrival at the grounds of Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
According to lip reader Jeremy Freeman, as Donald and Melania descended from Marine One for the official welcome and greeted the Prince and Princess of Wales, Donald allegedly turned to Catherine and said, "You’re so beautiful, so" — an unusually personal comment for such a formal setting.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and William, Prince of Wales, greeting Donald and Melania Trump upon their arrival at the grounds of Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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Donald and Melania Trump greeting Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, upon their arrival at the grounds of Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Melania's Statement Hat
Then, of all the iconic fashion statements made during the visit, Melania's purple Dior hat stood out — not just for its size, but for what it might have been saying.
King Charles III shaking hands with First Lady Melania Trump upon her arrival on the grounds of Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump during a visit to the Royal Collection exhibition on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
Paired with a tailored suit, the oversized wide-brimmed accessory sparked analysis from experts, including body language specialist Judi James, who suggested it was a strategic choice stemming from a "desire to hide."
Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump during a visit to the Royal Collection exhibition on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
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King Charles III with First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump at the Ceremonial Welcome during the State visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump at the Ceremonial Welcome during the State visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
The hat, she argued, shielded Melania's expressions, allowing her to remain emotionally unreadable while also reinforcing her role as a composed, background figure — a reportedly calculated move that ensured her husband remained center stage.
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Fashion or strategy? Either way, the hat became a defining image of the entire trip.
First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump at the Ceremonial Welcome during the State visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump at the Ceremonial Welcome during the State visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watching the Beating Retreat military ceremony on the East Lawn at Windsor Castle on day two of the president's state visit to the UK on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watching the Beating Retreat military ceremony on the East Lawn at Windsor Castle on day two of the president's state visit to the UK on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Donald and Melania Trump during their visit to St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Donald and Melania Trump meeting young members of the choir during their visit to St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
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A Royal Nudge
Another stand-out moment from Donald and Melania's U.K. visit was a brief but telling gesture from Queen Camilla toward Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Tensions seemingly flickered to the surface when Catherine moved to engage with Melania, and the Queen gave a subtle sweep of her hand, motioning Catherine to move.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla, and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
The Princess of Wales quickly stepped aside, rejoining her husband. Was it a logistical adjustment or a silent correction from one royal to another? Either way, it added a touch of silent drama to the already choreographed affair.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla, and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in England. | Source: Getty Images
From dramatic fashion choices and subtle power plays to warm gestures and eyebrow-raising exchanges, Melania and Donald Trump's state visit to the U.K. was anything but dull.
The multi-day affair unfolded like a carefully scripted royal production punctuated with moments that were unscripted, unfiltered, and undeniably headline-worthy.
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