Cameras captured what appeared to be an awkward moment between Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales as they spoke to first lady Melania Trump at the formal state visit welcome.
On Sept. 17, Princess Catherine and Prince William were the first to greet President Donald Trump and his wife on the grounds of Windsor Castle to kick off the official trip, and the royal couple accompanied the Trumps to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Victoria House.
Photo: AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty
As seen in video footage of the welcome, after Donald, 79, and Melania, 55, warmly greeted the King, 76, and Queen, 77, as well as private secretaries Sir Clive Alderton and Sophie Densham, the U.S. president and the King turned towards each other to talk, as did Camilla and Melania.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, 43, then approached, with Prince William joining the King and Donald’s conversation and Princess Catherine going to talk with the Queen and Melania.
Princess Catherine and Melania chatted while Camilla watched on and looked around.
Photo: PA
After a few moments, the Queen motioned for Princess Catherine to move with a subtle sweep of her hand. Princess Catherine obliged, seemed to say farewell to Melania and stepped away to walk towards Prince William’s side.
Queen Camilla and Melania then spoke for a moment as the whole group stood in a line, creating a clear path for the horse-drawn carriages to approach and transport them to Windsor Castle.
The carriage procession created another opportunity for Queen Camilla and Melania to talk, as they rode together in the Scottish State Coach.
Photo: Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty
King Charles and President Trump led the procession in the Irish State Coach, while the Prince and Princess of Wales rode in the Semi-State Landau with Warren Stephens, the U.S. ambassador to the U.K., and his wife.
The ceremonial welcome is a highlight of state visits, and the next major moment is the state banquet being held at Windsor Castle later on Wednesday.
