Royal expert's call on Melania Trump after uniting with Kate: 'A bit more substance'
A royal engagement with the Princess of Wales has given Melania Trump a bit more "substance," Royal expert Victoria Arbiter has said.
Melania and Catherine joined a group of four to six-year-olds on the lawn of Frogmore House to highlight their joint commitment to youth mental health.
Arbiter said the White House wanted to give Melania more depth than just ballgowns at the state dinner.
Watch the video above.
A royal engagement with the Princess of Wales has given Melania Trump a bit more "substance," Royal expert Victoria Arbiter has said. Getty
"Often, any lady in the public eye, it really is always about what they wear," Arbiter told Today Extra.
"And both of these ladies have done a very good job of championing designers from their own countries, but the white House really wanted to have a bit more substance to the First Lady's program."
She said Melania appeared a bit still at first, but relaxed as the engagement continued.
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She said Melania appeared a bit still at first, but relaxed as the engagement continued. Getty
"The White House really wanted to have a bit more substance to the First Lady's program." Getty
"Melania Trump looked a little tentative, but children (are) so good at disarming anyone... it doesn't matter if you're the First Lady of the United States," Arbiter said.
"They hopped on her lap, they were drawing together, asking all sorts of questions, and she clearly enjoyed that interaction."
There was a sweet moment with both women and the children.
Another adorable moment came when the children asked Melania what her favourite insect was. Getty
One child asked Princess Kate whether she got to wear a crown, with the princess replying that she sometimes wore a tiara, but only in the evening.
Another adorable moment came when the children asked Melania what her favourite insect was.
She replied that it was a ladybug, and the kids christened her with the title "First Lady-bug."
Catherine and Melania's day out came after the Trumps were hosted at the royal family's state banquet at Windsor Castle. Getty
Catherine and Melania's day out came after the Trumps were hosted at the royal family's state banquet at Windsor Castle.
The banquet boasted a 160-strong high-profile guest list, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Catherine, Prince William, Princess Anne, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Tiffany Trump was also in attendance at the banquet in honour of her father.
From left: President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and lady Victoria Starmer pose for a picture as they depart Chequers, near Aylesbury, England, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 Stefan Rousseau/Pool Photo via AP
During the banquet, the US president was captivated by Catherine and paid her compliments during his address to guests.
He described the princess as "so radiant, so healthy, so beautiful" in front of the crowd, referring to her recent cancer diagnosis and recovery.
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