Body language expert breaks down ‘tense’ moment between Melania Trump and Kate Middleton during UK state visit
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in London this week for what became their second official state visit to the United Kingdom, something considered unusual since most presidents only receive one during their time in office. They landed at London’s Stansted Airport on Tuesday evening and were taken to Winfield House, the U.S. ambassador’s official residence in Regent’s Park, where they stayed before beginning a packed schedule of royal and diplomatic events.
On Wednesday, the couple traveled to Windsor Castle, arriving by helicopter. As they stepped off Marine One, they were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine. Together, they walked across the castle grounds where King Charles and Queen Camilla were waiting to formally welcome them. The moment was highly choreographed, as most royal events are, but it also gave cameras a chance to capture interactions between Melania and the royals.
Observers noted one particular moment when Melania, Kate, and Camilla were seen standing together in conversation. While their smiles appeared calm and neutral, body language expert and celebrity psychic Inbaal Honigman suggested that not everyone was as relaxed as they appeared. She pointed out that Queen Camilla stood with her feet slightly apart, a stance that suggests confidence and comfort. Kate, though holding her hands in front of her in what could be seen as a protective gesture, had her fingers loosely spread, which indicated she was at ease. Melania, however, was described as looking more tense. According to Honigman, Melania’s hand was clenched more tightly, almost in a fist, a sign that she might have been uncomfortable or felt out of place in that exchange.
Beyond Melania’s interactions, President Trump also drew attention for his own behavior. At one point, while walking with King Charles, Trump strode ahead of him and began chatting with one of the guards. Royal watchers were quick to point out that this broke with tradition and protocol, as members of the royal family—and certainly guests—are expected to walk either alongside or behind the monarch, never in front of him. Such details matter deeply in royal etiquette, since the order in which people walk reflects their rank and position in the family or, in the case of guests, the respect afforded to the sovereign.
The state visit included a formal banquet at Windsor Castle and a variety of meetings with senior royals, diplomats, and political leaders. Security was extremely tight throughout, and while Trump and Melania had a number of official duties, much of their schedule was kept private, particularly as their trip drew to a close. They are set to depart the UK on Thursday evening, wrapping up a visit that was as full of ceremonial pageantry as it was moments of subtle tension observed by the public and media alike.
