An unexpected moment between senior royals played out during President Donald Trump’s official state visit to the United Kingdom, drawing attention from royal watchers and social media users.
While Kate Middleton was speaking with First Lady Melania Trump, Queen Camilla appeared to make a subtle hand gesture instructing the Princess of Wales to step aside. Kate immediately complied, creating a brief but widely discussed scene.
The Windsor welcome for Donald and Melania Trump began with their arrival at Windsor Castle, where Prince William and Kate greeted the couple on the grounds. The royal couple then escorted the Trumps to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Victoria House, with formal greetings conducted alongside the monarch’s private secretaries, Sir Clive Alderton and Sophie Densham.
As President Trump engaged with King Charles and Prince William, Camilla turned to Melania for a conversation. Kate joined in, only for the Queen to make the sweeping hand motion moments later. Kate ended her chat and returned to Prince William’s side, allowing Camilla and Melania to speak more privately as the group prepared for the ceremonial procession.
Observers noted that the gesture coincided with the arrival of horse-drawn carriages, which required the royals to clear a path. While the motion may have been practical, Camilla’s body language and Kate’s prompt compliance sparked debate online. Some social media users described the gesture as “aggressive,” suggesting it revealed underlying tensions within the royal family.
The procession continued with King Charles and President Trump in the Irish State Coach, while Queen Camilla and Melania shared the Scottish State Coach. William and Kate followed in the Semi-State Landau with U.S. ambassador Warren Stephens and his wife.
Kate thought she was doing something by running Meghan out of the country and now she’s getting scolded by Camilla like a child. pic.twitter.com/K6S5GIu6tG
— Hannah (@queen_meghan14) September 17, 2025
The interaction fueled speculation about royal protocol and the relationship between Camilla and Kate. Some viewers compared the scene to Meghan Markle’s previous claims about the royal family, drawing parallels in treatment. Others focused on the timing and subtlety of the gesture, suggesting it was a reminder of hierarchy and etiquette during formal occasions.
Beyond the hand gesture, the visit also raised questions about protocol. Some criticized the Trumps for not bowing or curtsying when meeting the King and Queen. The royal family’s official website clarified that such gestures are optional, noting that men may bow, women may curtsy, or others may simply shake hands.
President Trump also made headlines with a candid compliment to Kate Middleton, telling her, “You’re beautiful, so beautiful,” while she wore a maroon outfit with a matching hat and purse. The remark drew mixed reactions, with some praising its warmth and others questioning its appropriateness in a formal setting.