While President Donald Trump and King Charles have stood in the spotlight during the royals’ state visit to the U.S., First Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla have also played important roles. On Tuesday, all four attended a ceremonial military review on the White House’s South Lawn as rain poured down. That prompted Camilla to make a very British comment, leaving Melania stunned.
Queen Camilla and Melania Trump have spent some time together alone during the state visit. The U.S visit marks the third time they have met in a formal state visit setting. Meanwhile, it’s the first time Queen Camilla has stepped inside the walls of the White House since King Charles ascended the throne in 2022.
When Donald and Melania visited the UK last year, the queen and the first lady spent some time together. They toured the famous Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library, and this time, they once again got some alone time.
While King Charles and President Trump met privately, Melania brought Camilla to the tennis pavilion, where they viewed historical artifacts.
The relationship between the UK and the US has been strained in recent months, mainly because of 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 the same 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 as well as the queen are both representative of women who need to play this supporting part.”
Queen Camilla & Melania Trump
While both Queen Camilla and Melania Trump appear to enjoy each other’s company, they aren’t 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, other, more formal events were also scheduled. Just as during the September state visit in the U.K, this time, Donald Trump wanted to give the monarch something extra.
At the White House South Lawn on Tuesday, a ceremonial military review took place. It represents the highest honor that the U.S extends to any visiting head of state.
However, the sunny weather from Monday had moved on. Instead, it turned rainy, perhaps what someone would 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, which left the first lady stunned.
Speaking with the Daily Mail, lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling revealed that when they prepared to sit down, the queen said, “Oh, it’s rather wet.”
Melania agreed and responded that it “certainly is,” before the two shared a laugh. Then, Queen Camilla instantly replied, “We shall have soggy bottoms,” referring to the damp chair cushions they were sitting on.
The first lady was stunned, not understanding. Seemingly confused, Melania said, “What did I just hear? before asking Camilla, “Soggy bottoms?”
The phrase “soggy bottom” originated in the television show The Great British Bake Off, where it’s often used humorously. Queen Camilla is known to be a fan of the show. Who knows, maybe Melania will give the show a go as well?
