First Lady Melania Trump was at the center of a debate during the state visit to the United Kingdom, facing critique for her fashion choice and her perceived conduct toward Queen Camilla at the royal banquet held at Windsor Castle.
The discussion revolves around Trump’s canary yellow off-the-shoulder gown by Carolina Herrera, worn to the state dinner hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The floor-length dress with long sleeves featured a square neckline that exposed her shoulders, and was accessorized with a pink or lilac belt, creating an optical illusion that fueled online conversation.
Her outfit was in contrast to the more conservative styles of other attendees. Princess Kate wore a gold lace evening coat by British designer Phillipa Lepley over a silk crepe gown, while Queen Camilla chose a royal blue Fiona Clare gown with a sapphire and diamond tiara.
Fashion etiquette expert Lucy Hulme noted that guests are typically expected to adhere to certain dress codes when in the presence of the royal family. Speaking to The Independent, Hulme compared this to the Royal Ascot dress code, which requires women’s clothing to be “below the knee” and with covered shoulders.
Celebrity stylist Samantha Brown told the Daily Mail that Trump’s outfit was “distracting,” particularly with the pink belt and emerald earrings. Brown also stated that the yellow gown seemed “like a summery choice, and not quite right for the season” or the English weather.
On the other hand, New York-based personal stylist Liz Teich suggested photographers may have “tweaked” the dress’ saturation to enhance its boldness. She said Trump was likely “seeking something cheerful for this visit,” pointing out the association of yellow with optimism.
Aside from the dress, Trump was further criticized over a viral TikTok video that appeared to show her ignoring Queen Camilla. The video, viewed over two million times, shows Camilla appearing to address Trump, who looks to be speaking with Prince William instead.
Opinions on social media were divided, with some users accusing Trump of being disrespectful to the Queen Consort, while another commented: “She has no class and is dressed so inappropriately.”
Supporters of Trump argued that she was engaged in a conversation with another guest at that moment.
The state banquet was a significant event in diplomatic relations, marking Trump’s second state visit to the UK during his presidency. The event hosted 160 guests in Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall, where the Trumps joined the British royal family.
Despite varied reactions to her attire, some viewed Trump’s gown choice as deliberate. A social media user remarked that her dress was “a colour that is exactly opposite that of Camilla in the colour wheel and which draws more attention to her as a result.”
Questions arose about whether Tiffany Trump, the president’s stepdaughter, who wore a similar off-the-shoulder royal blue gown, breached royal protocol. However, experts clarified that while covered shoulders are preferred at modern state banquets, they are not obligatory.
“HELLO!” magazine noted she was the only Trump child attending with her father and stepmother in the U.K. for the state visit.
Earlier, during the visit, Trump’s fashion choices were noticed as she arrived at Windsor Castle in a dark gray Dior military-style suit and an oversized plum-colored hat that hid much of her face, drawing comparisons to a lampshade on social media.
The visit concluded with various diplomatic activities, but the focus was largely on the fashion diplomacy and social dynamics of the formal proceedings. The evening underscored the scrutiny faced by political figures regarding adherence to traditional protocols during high-profile international visits.
President Trump praised the royal family during his banquet address, specifically mentioning Princess Kate’s appearance and health, describing her as “so radiant and so healthy, and so beautiful.” The visit added a new chapter to the ongoing diplomatic relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom under the current administration.
