When Donald Trump and his wife Melania landed in Windsor on Wednesday for their state visit to the UK, the First Lady certainly made a statement. Melania Trump’s hat drew a lot of eyes, and that was even before it was revealed that it held a hidden message.
Donald Trump is currently on his second state visit to the UK. A state visit signifies an official trip to the UK, where the reigning monarch extends an invitation to the visiting head of state on behalf of the government.
The American president has previously made a state visit once before. That occurred in June 2019, when he was welcomed by Queen Elizabeth. Typically, presidents who have completed a second term are not invited for state visits. Instead, they are usually invited for tea or lunch.
However, King Charles has opted for a different approach. In February, as reported by the BBC, it was revealed that Trump had received an invitation for a second state visit.
The invitation took many by surprise, sparking discussions about whether it was influenced by the fact that another president served between Trump’s two terms, the presence of a new monarch, or perhaps something entirely different.
Regardless, Donald and Melania touched down for their second state visit yesterday. From the moment they arrived by helicopter and were welcomed by Prince William and Princess Kate, the First Lady captured a significant amount of attention.
The concealed message behind Melania Trump’s hat
Upon their arrival at Windsor Castle, William and Kate were there to welcome the presidential couple before they were led into the castle, where King Charles and Queen Camilla awaited them.
Melania arrived in a classic gray suit by Dior, but it was her hat that truly captured everyone’s attention.
She sported a wide-brimmed purple hat that obscured her eyes in various moments. This hat evoked memories of the one that garnered significant attention during Donald Trump’s inauguration, as it interfered when the president attempted to kiss her. This awkward moment quickly went viral online.
Once again, Melania chose a wide-brimmed hat for the initial part of her and Donald’s state visit, and it has once more drawn considerable interest. Stylist and Vogue staff member Marian Kwei firmly believes that the hat is intentional.
“The wide-brimmed hat that conceals her face suggests a desire for all attention to be directed towards her husband and his agenda during their visit,” Marian Kwei shared with the BBC.
The hat’s color reinforces this notion. While the American president is typically recognized for his red ties, he opted for a purple tie that matched the shade of his wife’s hat for the state visit.
A wreath was laid at the grave of Queen Elizabeth.
The state visit on Wednesday provided numerous experiences for the presidential couple. King Charles had extended an invitation to the president to review a guard of honor made up of three regiments from the Household Division: the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards, before a parade in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle.
They visited various historical landmarks that highlighted the strong bond between Great Britain and the United States.
As reported by the British Royal Family, the presidential couple dedicated their afternoon to laying a wreath at Queen Elizabeth’s grave. The day concluded with a state banquet, where formal dress was required.
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