First Lady Melania Trump sparked intense debate during the state visit to the United Kingdom, drawing criticism for both her bold fashion choice and what some perceived as dismissive behavior toward Queen Camilla during the royal banquet at Windsor Castle.
The controversy centers on Trump’s striking canary yellow off-the-shoulder gown by Carolina Herrera, which she wore to the formal state dinner hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday, September 17. The long-sleeved floor-length dress featured a square neckline that exposed her shoulders and was cinched with what appeared to be either a pink or lilac belt, creating an optical illusion that sparked additional online discussion.
The First Lady’s ensemble contrasted sharply with the more conservative attire worn by other female attendees. Princess Kate opted for an elegant gold lace evening coat by British designer Phillipa Lepley, worn over a silk crepe gown, while Queen Camilla donned a floor-length royal blue Fiona Clare gown paired with a sapphire and diamond tiara.
Fashion etiquette expert Lucy Hulme explained that guests are expected to follow certain dress code guidelines when meeting members of the Royal Family. Speaking to The Independent, Hulme referenced the annual Royal Ascot as an example, where dress requirements for the main royal enclosure stipulate that women’s clothing must “come below the knee” and feature covered shoulders.
Celebrity stylist Samantha Brown told the Daily Mail that she found Trump’s styling “distracting,” particularly when paired with the pink belt and emerald chandelier earrings. Brown asserted that the butter yellow color felt “like a summery choice, and not quite right for the season” and the English weather.
However, New York-based personal stylist Liz Teich offered a different perspective, suggesting that photographers might have “tweaked” the dress’s saturation to make it appear bolder than it actually was. She believed Trump was likely “seeking something cheerful for this visit,” noting how yellow often associates with optimism.
Beyond the dress controversy, Trump faced additional criticism after a viral TikTok video appeared to show her ignoring Queen Camilla during the banquet. The clip, which has garnered over 2 million views, shows Camilla appearing to speak to the First Lady, who instead seems engaged in conversation with Prince William.
Social media users were quick to share their opinions on the perceived slight. One user commented that Trump was being rude to the Queen Consort who was acting as host, while another wrote: “She has no class and is dressed so inappropriately.”
Defenders of Trump argued that she was simply engaged in conversation with another guest at the time. One person noted: “She wasn’t ignoring Queen Camilla, she was engaged in a conversation with somebody else. Just because Camilla is Queen doesn’t mean etiquette flies out of the window.”
The state banquet marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations, as it was Trump’s second state visit to the UK during his presidency. The evening brought together 160 guests at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall, where the American couple dined with the British royal family.
Despite the mixed reactions to her fashion choice, some observers believed Trump’s yellow dress was a calculated decision. One social media user noted that the First Lady was “wearing a colour that is exactly opposite that of Camilla in the colour wheel and which draws more attention to her as a result.”
The controversy also extended to questions about whether Trump’s stepdaughter, Tiffany Trump, who wore a similar off-the-shoulder royal blue gown, had broken royal protocol. However, etiquette experts clarified that while covered shoulders are preferred at modern state banquets, they are not mandatory.
Throughout the visit, Trump’s fashion choices continued to draw attention. Earlier in the day, she had arrived at Windsor Castle wearing a dark gray Dior military-style suit complemented by an oversized plum-colored wide-brimmed hat that nearly concealed her face.
The state visit concluded with various diplomatic engagements, but the focus remained largely on the fashion diplomacy and social dynamics displayed during the formal proceedings. The evening’s events highlighted the continued scrutiny faced by prominent political figures, particularly regarding adherence to traditional protocols and expectations during high-profile international visits.
President Trump praised the royal family during his banquet speech, specifically mentioning Princess Kate’s appearance and health, describing her as “so radiant and so healthy, and so beautiful.” The visit marked another chapter in the ongoing diplomatic relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom under the current administration.