Melania Trump’s striking hat choice during her second state visit to the United Kingdom has stirred conversation, with a body language expert suggesting it carried a deeper meaning.
On Wednesday, the First Lady joined President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle, where they were greeted by Prince William and Princess Catherine before meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla.
A Coordinated Look
Melania stepped out in a charcoal Christian Dior Haute Couture pencil skirt suit, paired with a dramatic, wide-brimmed dark purple wool hat from the same designer. Her accessory complemented Donald Trump’s tie, highlighting a coordinated appearance.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also matched, with Catherine in a wine-coloured Emilia Wickstead coat dress and William sporting a burgundy tie. Similarly, Charles and Camilla chose blue-toned outfits that echoed colours from the US flag, reflecting a theme of diplomatic “flag dressing.”
Expert Analysis of the Hat
Body language expert Judi James drew parallels between Melania’s hat and the one she wore at the 2017 inauguration.
“I’m fascinated to work out why Melania is wearing a similar shaped hat to the one she wore to the inauguration, which forms the shape of a large lid that completely hides her face,” she told the Daily Mail.
“For a woman known for her beauty, this shape of hat suggests a desire to hide. Royal women will tend to adore the flying saucer style too but will always wear the hat at an acute angle to ensure their faces are totally on display.”
Melania’s Subtle Role
Throughout the ceremonial welcome, Melania kept her hands clasped, stood slightly behind her husband, and even stepped back while Trump and Charles examined items from the Royal Collection. Judi James suggested this stance reflected a “more assertive and confident approach” than during the couple’s 2019 visit, while also projecting “a more mysterious aura, like she is Trump’s supporter rather than the star herself.”
Social Media Reacts
Melania’s hat quickly became a talking point online. One admirer called her the “epitome of style” and said the “hat speaks of royalty.” Another user wrote, “I am not into fashion, but I love Melania’s hats. They’re amazing.” Others wished her face had been more visible, with one comment noting, “Princess Catherine and First Lady Melania are both so stunning, but I wish Melania would wear hats that let us see her face better.”
A Banquet Filled with Symbolism
Later that evening, the Trumps attended a state banquet at Windsor Castle, joined by senior royals, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Trump’s daughter Tiffany.
In his speech, Trump described the visit as “one of the highest honours of my life,” adding, “such respect for you and such respect for your country for many decades. The word special does not begin to do it justice.”
King Charles echoed the sentiment, praising the enduring alliance between the US and UK as a “special relationship” that has “made us safer and stronger through the generations.” He added, “The ocean still may divide us, but in so many other ways, we are the closest of kin. Our two nations have an exceptional legacy of shared discovery.”