Donald and Melania Trump touched down at Windsor Castle earlier today for the start of their second state visit to the UK — and while the political symbolism was heavy, it was the First Lady’s choice of headwear that quickly stole the spotlight.
The couple arrived by helicopter in the gardens of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, where they were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Many royal watchers had eagerly anticipated the moment, particularly to see Melania alongside Kate Middleton, two women often praised for their impeccable fashion sense.
But as the First Lady stepped out of Marine One, attention immediately shifted to her dramatic accessory: a sweeping, wide-brimmed burgundy hat paired with a chic charcoal-grey suit. Within minutes, social media was buzzing. “Melania has deployed the big hat,” one user joked on X. Another quipped, “Pretty sure I saw Melania’s hat yesterday in the John Lewis lighting department.”
A Statement in Body Language
According to human behaviour expert Inbaal Honigman, the oversized hat was no random fashion choice. Speaking to Tyla on behalf of OLBG, she explained:
“This is not the first time we’ve seen Melania in a low, wide-brimmed hat. In body language terms, it serves two functions. Firstly, it creates a safe space around her so nobody can get too close. Secondly, it can act as a kind of cloak of invisibility, allowing her to employ facial expressions that go undetected.”
Honigman added that because the hat shadowed much of her forehead, eyebrows and even her eyes, it made it difficult to read any signs of frustration or annoyance. “So much of non-verbal communication is conveyed through the upper face,” she noted. “The hat essentially conceals that.”
Not Her First “Hat Moment”
This isn’t the first time Melania Trump has made headlines with her dramatic millinery. Back in January, she went viral during her husband’s White House inauguration with a striking black-and-white outfit topped off with — once again — a bold wide-brimmed hat. Then, fashion commentators hailed the look as a stylish distraction from the political upheaval of the day.
Even now, opinions remain divided, with some mocking the extravagance while others can’t get enough. “Love Melania’s hat! Why can’t we all wear hats and gloves again? So stylish,” one admirer wrote online. Another fan admitted they were “living for Melania’s hat moment.”