Queen Camilla appeared to subtly signal Princess Kate to move along during a brief exchange with First Lady Melania Trump as President Donald Trump began his second state visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday. The moment, captured on video, played out amid the elaborate ceremonial welcome on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
President Trump, 79, and First Lady Melania Trump, 55, arrived by helicopter and were greeted by Prince William and Princess Kate before being escorted to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Victoria House. Video footage shows the King and President engaged in conversation as Queen Camilla began speaking with Mrs. Trump.
Princess Kate soon stepped over to join the chat, smiling as she engaged with the First Lady. A few moments later, Queen Camilla made a subtle sweep of her hand that appeared to suggest Kate step aside. The Princess of Wales ended the conversation and returned to stand beside Prince William, leaving Camilla to continue her exchange with Mrs. Trump privately.
The scene unfolded against the backdrop of full royal pageantry, with more than 1,500 members of the armed forces lining Windsor's Quadrangle for the formal welcome. Tri-service bands and the Massed Bands of the Household Division performed as a 41-gun salute thundered from the castle grounds and the Tower of London.
The ceremonial events included a carriage procession through the castle grounds. King Charles and President Trump led the parade in the Irish State Coach, followed by Queen Camilla and Mrs. Trump in the Scottish State Coach. Prince William and Princess Kate traveled in a Semi-State Landau with U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens and his wife.
Inside Windsor Castle, the Trumps joined the King and Queen for a private luncheon and a wreath-laying ceremony at Queen Elizabeth II's tomb in St. George's Chapel. The evening will conclude with a state banquet in St. George's Hall, where more than 160 guests are expected.
President Trump made headlines earlier in the day when he complimented the Princess of Wales. "You're beautiful, so beautiful," he told Kate, who wore a maroon Emilia Wickstead dress with a Jane Taylor hat for the occasion.
