Former U.S. President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump arrived in the United Kingdom this week for their second official state visit, hosted by King Charles III. The visit, marked by pageantry, tradition, and diplomatic significance, included ceremonial welcomes, a wreath-laying at Queen Elizabeth II’s resting place, and a state banquet at Windsor Castle.
While the diplomatic and political elements of the trip were central, much of the public spotlight fell on Melania Trump’s fashion — particularly the wide-brimmed hat she chose to wear upon arrival at Windsor Castle.
A Rare Second State Visit
State visits are the highest form of diplomatic invitation extended by the United Kingdom, involving the reigning monarch as host. They symbolize strong international relationships and are typically extended only once to a head of state.
Donald Trump’s first state visit to the UK occurred in June 2019, when he was invited by Queen Elizabeth II. His second invitation in 2025, extended by King Charles III, was unusual, as the BBC noted earlier this year. Traditionally, former heads of state who have already made an official state visit are invited for smaller-scale meetings, such as luncheons or private audiences, rather than a full state visit.
The fact that King Charles extended another state visit highlighted the continued emphasis on U.S.–UK ties, regardless of changes in leadership or protocol.
Arrival at Windsor Castle
On Wednesday, September 17, Donald and Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle, where they were greeted by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. They were then formally welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the castle’s Quadrangle.
Ceremonial highlights included an inspection of the Guard of Honour, composed of three regiments from the Household Division: the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, and the Scots Guards. Military traditions such as these have long been central to state visits, underscoring the partnership between the United Kingdom and its allies.
Melania Trump’s Outfit Choice
Melania Trump has long been recognized for her influence on fashion during her time as First Lady and in her public appearances since. For her arrival at Windsor, she wore a tailored gray suit by Dior, paired with a striking wide-brimmed purple hat.
The hat quickly became a focal point in media coverage. Its bold shape and distinctive color contrasted with the otherwise understated ensemble, ensuring it stood out in photographs. Wide-brimmed hats are not uncommon at formal occasions, but this choice immediately drew attention due to its size and prominence, which partially obscured her eyes in certain angles.
Fashion observers, including stylists interviewed by the BBC, noted the coordination between Melania Trump’s purple hat and Donald Trump’s purple tie. The matching colors appeared deliberate, symbolizing a coordinated image for the presidential couple at such a high-profile diplomatic occasion.
Symbolism in Fashion at Diplomatic Events
Fashion at state visits often carries symbolic significance. While sometimes purely aesthetic, outfit choices can highlight cultural awareness, respect for tradition, or unity between hosts and guests.
Color coordination, in particular, has been a recurring element in diplomatic fashion. Matching tones between spouses or subtle nods to the host nation’s culture can reinforce the formality and symbolism of the event.
Melania Trump’s choice of a wide-brimmed hat echoed previous moments in her fashion history, including the broad-brimmed hat she wore during Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in 2017. That earlier outfit became widely discussed at the time, and her 2025 hat generated similar levels of global attention.
Activities of the Day
The Trumps’ itinerary included both ceremonial and commemorative elements.
-
Inspection of the Guard of Honour: Donald Trump joined King Charles III in reviewing troops from the Household Division. This longstanding tradition symbolizes respect and cooperation between nations.
-
Wreath-Laying at Queen Elizabeth II’s Grave: According to the Royal Family’s official website, the presidential couple visited St. George’s Chapel within Windsor Castle to lay a wreath at the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II. The gesture emphasized continuity in honoring the late monarch, who had hosted Donald Trump during his first state visit in 2019.
-
Banquet at Windsor Castle: The day concluded with a state banquet, held in St. George’s Hall. Guests included members of the Royal Family, senior officials, and dignitaries from both nations.
Media Coverage and Public Response
Global media outlets, including BBC News, CNN, and The Guardian, provided extensive coverage of the state visit. While much reporting focused on the ceremonial aspects and political implications, fashion coverage highlighted Melania Trump’s outfit.
Social media also played a role in amplifying the discussion. Images of the wide-brimmed purple hat circulated widely on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of users sharing their views. Many noted the visual coordination with Donald Trump’s purple tie, while others debated whether the bold style was meant to make a statement at such a formal event.
Melania Trump’s Fashion Influence
Melania Trump’s fashion has been a consistent subject of analysis since her tenure as First Lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021. She is known for wearing luxury brands and carefully curated ensembles at public events. Her wardrobe choices often balance traditional elegance with modern flair, ensuring that she remains one of the most photographed figures in political fashion.
During state visits, her outfits frequently become part of the broader narrative. Whether during the 2019 UK visit or the 2025 return under King Charles III, Melania’s clothing has consistently sparked conversation, showing how fashion can intersect with diplomacy.
Why Fashion Matters at State Visits
Fashion is not just a matter of personal taste during high-level diplomatic occasions. Instead, it serves as an extension of protocol and symbolism. Outfits worn by First Ladies, monarchs, and political leaders can:
-
Convey cultural sensitivity and respect.
-
Reinforce diplomatic unity through coordinated presentation.
-
Shape public memory of the event through iconic images.
Melania Trump’s wide-brimmed purple hat illustrates this interplay between style and symbolism. Even though the central purpose of the state visit was diplomacy, the public focus on fashion demonstrates how soft power and cultural influence often accompany formal politics.
Conclusion
Donald and Melania Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom in September 2025 highlighted the enduring relationship between the two nations. The ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, wreath-laying for Queen Elizabeth II, and formal state banquet underscored the diplomatic importance of the trip.
At the same time, Melania Trump’s choice of attire — particularly her wide-brimmed purple hat — captured international attention. Coordinated with Donald Trump’s tie, the outfit became one of the most discussed aspects of the visit, showing once again how fashion can shape public perception of political and royal events.
While the state visit was ultimately about diplomacy and tradition, the fashion element served as a reminder that these occasions are cultural as well as political. For many, the image of Melania Trump’s hat at Windsor Castle will remain one of the most memorable visuals of the 2025 state visit.