At Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, all eyes were on Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, as they welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. While the grand setting, formal greetings, and impeccable outfits drew attention, it was a small gesture by Catherine that caught the eye of body language experts.
Catherine, dressed in a maroon double-breasted coat and clutching her handbag, subtly shifted it from one hand to the other as she observed the Trumps holding hands. Bruce Durham, a body language specialist, suggested the movement reflected a moment of discomfort, signaling her instinct to move closer to her husband while staying within royal protocol.
Moments That Sparked Online Buzz
As the group proceeded to Victoria House to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla, a brief interaction quickly went viral. Camilla appeared to gesture for Catherine to step aside during an exchange with Melania, a subtle cue that Catherine immediately followed.
Online reaction was immediate. Clips of the encounter circulated widely, with some commentators reading it as a display of hierarchy, while others described it as routine protocol. Celebrity body language expert Inbaal Honigman noted that while Catherine’s hands suggested calm and slight protectiveness, Melania’s clenched fist revealed tension, underscoring the nuanced dynamics of the meeting.
Protocol, Perception, and Power
Whether a strategic signal or a simple logistical move, the incident highlighted the delicate choreography expected of public figures in formal settings. The moment demonstrated how even minor gestures can attract attention and interpretation, particularly during high-stakes international visits.
This state visit, already significant in its diplomatic scope, offered a rare glimpse into the subtle signals and interpersonal awareness that accompany royal protocol, leaving both observers and social media buzzing.