First Lady Melania Trump’s attire and behavior during a state visit to the United Kingdom ignited widespread discussion. Critics focused on both her striking fashion choice and an interaction with Queen Camilla at a banquet in Windsor Castle.
The debate centered around Trump’s choice of a vibrant canary yellow off-the-shoulder gown by Carolina Herrera, worn at a state dinner hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday, September 17. The floor-length dress with long sleeves featured a square neckline and a belt that appeared pink or lilac, prompting further online discussions about its visual impact.
Her gown contrasted with the more traditional attire of other attendees. Princess Kate wore an elegant gold lace evening coat by British designer Phillipa Lepley over a silk crepe gown, while Queen Camilla chose a royal blue Fiona Clare gown with a sapphire and diamond tiara.
Fashion etiquette specialist Lucy Hulme mentioned that guests typically adhere to specific dress codes when meeting the royal family. In an interview with The Independent, Hulme highlighted Royal Ascot as an example, where the dress code for the main royal enclosure mandates garments to be below the knee and shoulders to be covered.
Celebrity stylist Samantha Brown, speaking to the Daily Mail, described Trump’s styling as “distracting,” particularly due to the pink belt and emerald earrings. Brown noted the color was “like a summery choice, and not quite right for the season” and the local climate.
Conversely, New York-based stylist Liz Teich offered a different view, suggesting photographers might have altered the dress’s saturation to enhance its boldness. She posited that Trump likely aimed for a “cheerful” appearance, as yellow is often linked with optimism.
In addition to the dress discussion, Trump faced scrutiny for a viral TikTok video showing her seemingly ignoring Queen Camilla at the banquet. The clip, with over two million views, depicts Camilla appearing to address Trump, who seems engaged in conversation with Prince William.
Social media quickly reacted to the perceived oversight. One user remarked that Trump was disrespectful to the Queen Consort, while another commented, “She has no class and is dressed so inappropriately.”
Supporters of Trump argued that she was merely conversing with another guest at the time.
The state banquet was a significant event, marking Trump’s second state visit to the UK during his presidency. The dinner at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall included 160 guests, bringing together American and British dignitaries.
Despite varied reactions to her fashion choice, some perceived Trump’s yellow dress as a strategic decision. One social media user observed that the first lady chose a color opposite to Camilla’s on the color wheel, drawing more attention to herself.
The debate extended to whether Trump’s stepdaughter, Tiffany Trump, wearing a similar off-the-shoulder royal blue gown, breached protocol. However, etiquette experts clarified that while covered shoulders are preferred, they are not mandatory at modern state banquets.
“HELLO!” magazine reported she was the only Trump child accompanying her father and stepmother to the UK for the state visit.
Throughout the visit, Trump’s attire attracted attention. Earlier in the day, she arrived at Windsor Castle in a dark gray Dior military-style suit with an oversized plum-colored wide-brimmed hat, which social media users compared to a lampshade.
The state visit concluded with various diplomatic engagements, yet the focus remained on the fashion diplomacy and social interactions during the formal events. The evening underscored the ongoing scrutiny faced by political figures concerning protocol and expectations on international visits.
President Trump praised the royal family during his banquet speech, mentioning Princess Kate’s appearance and health, describing her as “so radiant and so healthy, and so beautiful.” The visit represented another chapter in the diplomatic relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom under the current administration.
