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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Trump\u2019s invitation arrived in July, and on September 16 the president and first lady touched down in the UK\u2014an 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.<\/p>\n
Charles\u2019s 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: \u201cYou\u2019re not getting too wet, I hope?\u201d It turns out he brings the same warmth to high-profile guests.<\/p>\n
As the Trumps arrived at Windsor Castle, Melania\u2019s 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\u2014\u201cHow are you doing, it\u2019s a pleasure, Your Majesty. Thank you for inviting me.\u201d\u2014before Charles turned to the first lady with a playful line: \u201cI do hope the wind doesn\u2019t blow away your hat.\u201d Melania\u2019s response was a genuine, hearty laugh.<\/p>\n
Her choice of headwear quickly sparked chatter, just as a similarly dramatic hat did at Trump\u2019s 2017 inauguration. Stylist and Vogue contributor Marian Kwei suggested the accessory was strategic: a sweeping brim that keeps the spotlight on her husband\u2019s agenda while nodding to classic royal etiquette. Even the color seemed coordinated\u2014Trump wore a purple tie that matched the shade of Melania\u2019s hat.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Quadrangle, and the presidential couple paid their respects with a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s grave before concluding the day at a state banquet.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s your take on Charles\u2019s approachable style\u2014and that quick quip to Melania? Share your thoughts in the comments on Facebook.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u2019t mind a bit of gentle humor. That same easy manner was on display when he welcomed Donald and Melania…<\/p>\n