The Princess of Wales has nailed autumnal chic as she hosted Melania Trump at the Home Park, Windsor Castle today.
Kate, 43, revealed her ability to effortlessly switch up her wardrobe, opting for a more everyday ensemble as she joined Scouts’ in the wild this afternoon, compared to last night’s glamorous state banquet ensemble.
Today’s schedule saw Kate and Melania meet a group of Scouts Squirrels, the youngest part of the UK Scouting organisation, which is designed for four to five year olds who work towards their ‘Go Wild’ badge, in Frogmore Gardens.
Looking effortlessly elegant, the Princess blended US and UK brands by sporting a skirt by American designer Ralph Lauren and a scarf from Sudbury Mill, where the royal visited last week to watch the production of the silk products.
Meanwhile, Melania, changing from her previous engagement with Queen Camilla earlier today, looked as equally chic in a suede brown jacket and cream trousers.
On arrival today, the Princess, who has been joint president of the Scouts with the Duke of Kent since 2020, and the First Lady were met by Dwayne Fields, the Chief Scout.
Dwayne escorted his guests to meet two groups of Squirrels who were taking part in a variety of activities as they learned about nature.
Kate and Melania enjoyed the opportunity to join the children as they built a bug hotel and tried leaf printing using fallen leaves collected from the gardens.
The Princess and the First Lady then led a badge presentation for the young Squirrels, before hosting a picnic for The Squirrels in the gardens.
The Princess of Wales put on a stunning display in autumnal colours as she chatted with Melania Trump on the Windsor Estate today
Kate has thoughtfully organised a special packed lunch for the children, with each of the children receiving sandwiches containing honey made by The Princess of Wales herself from the Wales family’s hives at Anmer Hall.
In addition, the First Lady will gift a jar of White House honey to each of the children as a memento of their very special day.
The wellbeing of young children is something which is important to both The Princess and The First Lady, a spokesman explained.
The Princess has long been passionate about the power of enabling children and young people to experience the natural world.
The Scouts meet is part of a comprehensive schedule of events detailed by Buckingham Palace for the state visit, which started on Tuesday and runs until the end of today.
Yesterday evening saw the Trumps at a glittering state banquet alongside senior royals, including King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Kate looked dazzling, sporting a Phillipa Lepley silk crepe gown underneath a hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace evening coat.
She also donned the late Queen Elizabeth II’s and the King’s Royal Family Order and a blue sash, representing that she is a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
US First Lady Melania and the Princess of Wales join a group of Squirrels from the Scout Association taking part in activities
Kate and Melania met with a group of Scouts Squirrels, the youngest part of the UK Scouting organisation
The duo opted for more casual outfits compared to the glitz and glamour of yesterday evening’s state banquet
Notably, she also wore the famous Lover’s Knot tiara, which was once owned by Princess Diana and was kept in a safe at Buckingham Palace after her 1997 death before it was handed to Kate.
The headpiece – which Diana said was so heavy it gave her headaches – was made by Royal jewellers Garrard in 1914 to Queen Mary’s personal design, from pearls and diamonds already in her family’s possession.
Prince William’s wife wore her newly bronde tresses loose, letting them fall in soft waves underneath her tiara. She accessorised her look with a pair of drop earrings.
Meanwhile, William sported the Windsor Uniform with the blue sash and star of the Order of the Garter, as well as another star denoting his position as a Knight of the Order of the Thistle, and a third representing that he is a Great Master of the Order of the Bath.
He also wore four medals – one each from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees, and the King’s coronation medal.
Every element of the banquet was reportedly checked and approved by the King – down to the very last detail.
Charles and the Queen usually inspect the table beforehand in person, making their way round the room in the afternoon and examining the preparations with the Master of the Household, Vice-Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt.
Earlier today, Queen Camilla and the First Lady looked at miniature dolls’ house books during a visit to the Royal Library at Windsor Castle
Melania also observed school children drawing in their miniature books during the visit to the Royal Library
Camilla and Melania appeared to enjoy a conversation over the miniature dolls’ house books during the visit
In a tradition started by the King, a bespoke cocktail was created specially for the occasion.
Called Transatlantic Whisky Sour, it was described as a UK/US twist on the classic Whisky Sour, blending Johnnie Walker Black with the bright citrus of marmalade, topped with pecan foam, and garnished with a toasted marshmallow set on a star-shaped biscuit (in reference to a fireside s’more).
President Trump is a teetotaller so it is believed he did not indulge in sampling the variety of vintage wines on offer, nor the cocktail.
Preparations for a state banquet started six months before the big event and it usually takes household staff around three days to lay the table.
Guests – who had been invited on the basis of their cultural, diplomatic or economic links to the US – dined on an exquisite menu, written in French, prepared by royal chefs and served on historic, priceless dinner sets.
