During President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom, a moment of unexpected levity unfolded at Windsor Castle when King Charles III cracked a lighthearted joke aimed at First Lady Melania Trump — and her reaction became the talk of the visit.
The Trumps arrived at Windsor Castle on September 16, greeted by King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine. The occasion was steeped in royal protocol, but it was Melania’s striking fashion choice — a wide-brimmed plum-colored Dior hat — that stole the spotlight and sparked a wave of online commentary.
As the formal introductions took place, President Trump greeted the monarch with a customary “How are you doing, it’s a pleasure, Your Majesty. Thank you for inviting me.” But it was King Charles’ witty remark to Melania that broke the ice. According to a lip-reading expert cited by Metro UK, the King glanced at Melania’s towering hat and quipped, “I do hope the wind doesn’t blow away your hat”.
Melania responded with a poised smile and a soft chuckle, visibly amused by the unexpected humor. The moment, brief but warm, seemed to ease the tension of the formal setting and was later described by observers as a rare glimpse of spontaneity between the royals and their American guests.
However, the hat itself became a viral sensation. Social media erupted with memes and jokes, with users comparing Melania’s look to a “lampshade,” a “coat rack,” and even a “Handmaid’s Tale” character. A parody account for California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a photo of the Trumps flanking the King and Queen with the caption: “OUT OF 350 MILLION AMERICANS, WE SEND THEM DUMBO AND LAMPSHADE?!”.
Despite the online mockery, fashion experts defended Melania’s choice. Vogue contributor Marian Kwei told the BBC that the hat was “not by chance,” suggesting it was a deliberate statement to draw attention to her husband’s agenda while maintaining a mysterious aura.
Yet, Melania’s decision to keep the hat on indoors — even after Queen Camilla removed hers — was noted as a breach of royal etiquette. Still, the matching plum tones of her hat and Trump’s tie were interpreted as a symbolic show of unity.
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman noted that King Charles appeared “clearly uneasy” at times during the visit, particularly when Trump walked ahead of him during the ceremonial inspection. But the King’s joke to Melania, she said, was a strategic move to lighten the mood and reassert control over the social dynamic.
In the end, Melania’s reaction — graceful, amused, and unbothered — became a defining image of the visit. Whether seen as a fashion faux pas or a moment of royal charm, the exchange between King Charles and the First Lady added a human touch to an otherwise formal affair.
