While President Donald Trump and King Charles have been in the spotlight during the royals’ state visit to the U.S., First Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla have also played key roles. On Tuesday, all four attended a ceremonial military review on the White House’s South Lawn as rain poured down, prompting Camilla to make a very British comment that left Melania stunned.
Queen Camilla and Melania Trump have also spent some one-on-one time together during the state visit. The U.S. visit marks the third time they have met in a formal state visit setting. Meanwhile, it is the first time Queen Camilla has been inside the White House since King Charles became monarch in 2022.
When Donald and Melania visited the UK last year, the Queen and First Lady also spent time together. They toured the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library, and this time, they once again had some private time.
While King Charles and President Trump held a private meeting, Melania brought Camilla to the tennis pavilion, where they viewed historical artifacts.
Relations between the UK and the US have been strained in recent months, mainly due to the war in Iran. Speaking to CNN, royal expert and author Elizabeth Holmes explained that both Queen Camilla and Melania Trump are approaching their roles during the state visit in a similar way.
“Neither one of them is stealing any of the spotlight here. In this case, Charles and Trump are very much the focal point. And I would bet both men appreciate that. Certainly, Charles has had times in his life when he was not the focal point,” Holmes said, adding that the First Lady and the Queen are both in supportive roles.
Queen Camilla & Melania Trump
While Queen Camilla and Melania Trump appear to enjoy each other’s company, they are not particularly close, Elizabeth Holmes explained.
“I don’t know of any sort of established relationship between the First Lady and the Queen, nor do I think there necessarily has to be one,” the royal author told CNN. “This, to me, feels very much like the First Lady and the Queen are going through the motions of what their role requires.”
Although meetings and more informal conversations between the Trumps and the royals have taken place, more formal events were also scheduled. As during the September state visit in the U.K., Donald Trump also wanted to add something extra this time.
At the White House South Lawn on Tuesday, a ceremonial military review took place. It represents the highest honor the U.S. extends to any visiting head of state.
However, the sunny weather from Monday had shifted. Instead, it turned rainy — what some might call “British weather.”
Lip reader reveals Queen Camilla’s ‘naughty’ remark to Melania
Donald and Charles were seated next to each other, while Camilla and Melania sat together on the other side of the small stage. It was then that Queen Camilla made a very British remark to Melania, leaving the First Lady stunned.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling revealed that as they prepared to sit down, the Queen said, “Oh, it’s rather wet.”
Melania agreed, responding that it “certainly is,” before the two shared a laugh. Queen Camilla then reportedly replied, “We shall have soggy bottoms,” referring to the damp chair cushions they were sitting on.
The First Lady appeared stunned and did not understand at first. Seemingly confused, Melania said, “What did I just hear?” before asking Camilla, “Soggy bottoms?”
The phrase “soggy bottom” comes from the TV show The Great British Bake Off, where it is often used humorously. Queen Camilla is known to be a fan of the show. Who knows, maybe Melania will give it a try as well?
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