An uncomfortable moment between Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales was caught on camera during the formal state welcome for First Lady Melania Trump.
Kate, 43, was deeply engaged in conversation with President Donald Trump’s wife, 55, when the Queen, 78, appeared to signal her to move along — and Kate quickly complied.
The video, filmed on Wednesday, Sept. 17, showed Prince William and Kate greeting the Trumps at Windsor Castle before beginning their multi-day visit to the UK.
The Formal Welcome at Windsor
After the initial greetings, William and Kate escorted the Trumps to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Victoria House.
The monarch welcomed the US president and first lady warmly, as did their private secretaries, Sir Clive Alderton and Sophie Densham, before the groups broke into separate conversations.
While Trump began speaking with Charles and William, Camilla turned her attention to Melania. Kate soon joined in, chatting with the First Lady alongside her stepmother-in-law.
The Queen’s Subtle Gesture
As Kate continued her discussion with Melania, Queen Camilla appeared visibly uneasy, glancing around as if unsure of the dynamic. A short moment later, she gave a discreet hand motion that seemed to urge Kate to step aside.
The Princess received the hint immediately, quickly ending her exchange with Melania and returning to stand beside William. The move left Camilla free to speak privately with the First Lady while the rest of the group cleared a path for the horse-drawn carriages bound for Windsor Castle.
Protocol and Other Notable Moments
This wasn’t the only moment to spark attention during the Trumps’ visit. Some observers accused the couple of breaking royal protocol by failing to bow or curtsy when greeting the King and Queen.
However, the royal family’s official website clarifies otherwise: “There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms. For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”
President Trump also drew headlines after complimenting Kate during their Windsor welcome. “You’re beautiful, so beautiful,” he said to the Princess of Wales, who was dressed in a maroon coat dress with a matching hat and handbag.
A Day of Tradition and Ceremony
After their ceremonial greeting with Charles and Camilla, the Trumps were invited to a private luncheon before paying tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb in St. George’s Chapel.
Later, around 200 military musicians performed the Beating Retreat — a historic tradition dating back to the 17th century, symbolizing the lowering of flags and the closing of camp gates at day’s end.
This marked the second official state visit to the UK hosted for President Trump.