Kate Middleton and Melania Trump's 'warm friendship' receives touching update after state visit
They have reportedly formed a special bond
Kate Middleton and US First Lady Melania Trump’s budding friendship was on full display during the recent UK state visit, with insiders describing their time together as “warm, relaxed and genuine”.
Following a glittering state banquet on September 17, the Princess of Wales and Mrs Trump swapped tiaras for tweed and suede as they stepped into nature for their first official joint engagement.
The two women spent the afternoon with young children from the Squirrels (the youngest Scout group) within the grounds of Frogmore House, where they took part in bug-themed activities, crafts, and a picnic.
Kate Middleton and Melania Trump’s friendship following joint engagement
“You could very much see how warm and friendly they were after spending time together,” a Kensington Palace source reportedly told HELLO!. “They were chatting away, and they both really enjoyed the engagement. The First Lady was super-relaxed. She really enjoyed her time with the princess.”
While President Trump met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Melania stayed behind for different engagements.
The first lady was hosted by both Queen Camilla and Princess Kate, a move many saw as a strategic gesture of soft diplomacy.
It’s definitely the start of what looks set to be a very warm, long-term relationship between Kate and Melania.
According to a White House insider, Kate’s invitation was “absolutely” the highlight of Melania’s trip.
“It’s definitely the start of what looks set to be a very warm, long-term relationship between Kate and Melania,” another source agreed.
The visit was the result of careful coordination between Kensington Palace and the first lady’s office, right down to their stunning Ralph Lauren outfits in warm autumn tones.
Kate wore a brown tweed skirt from the designer, a cashmere knit, and a suede jacket from British brand Me+Em.
Meanwhile, Melania paired her chestnut Ralph Lauren safari-style jacket with Loro Piana trousers and Roger Vivier shoes.
Kate and Melania build ‘special’ relationship
Their joint outing also included a thoughtful touch. The children were gifted White House honey wrapped in red ribbon, and sandwiches made with honey from Kate’s Norfolk estate, Anmer Hall. Meanwhile, Melania added her own flair with red, white, and blue Scout neckerchiefs.
Chief Scout and TV presenter Dwayne Fields, who led the event, described the day as “heartwarming”.
He also hinted that the duo might collaborate again: “I wouldn’t be surprised if they were to go away and collaborate on something in the US.”
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith agreed the visit marked a meaningful step. She told HELLO!: “Melania is an enigmatic figure. It was an extra layer of effort on the part of the king and queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales to seal this bond, this special relationship, in new ways.”
Meanwhile, during the September 18 engagement, one young Scout unintentionally stole the spotlight with a cheeky question for Melania Trump.
“They knew they were coming to meet the princess,” Chief Scout Dwayne Fields told PEOPLE. “And one of the young asked Mrs Trump, ‘Are you the next princess?'”
Both women fully embraced the experience. They were seen crouching down in the grass, chatting with the children, and getting hands-on with the activities.
Footage from the day showed Kate engaging warmly at eye level, while Melania mirrored her ease and attentiveness.
Read more: ‘Pressure’ Kate Middleton faced during Donald Trump’s state visit
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