Melania Trump and Queen Camilla deliver fashion masterclass during US-UK historic state visit

The Queen and the First Lady have delivered a masterclass in thoughtful dressing during the historic state visit, with special nods to the longstanding ties between the UK and US.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were the guests of honour at a state dinner held inside the White House on day two in what was the most formal engagement of the four-day tour.

The Queen chose a hot pink gown by British designer Fiona Clare, accessorised with amethyst and diamond jewels that once belonged to Queen Victoria and Queen Mary.

Watch the video above.

Part of the necklace was worn as a brooch by Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Washington in 1991.

Melania Trump chose an equally spectacular look complementing the Queen's, opting for a pale pink gown, designed by Dior, with white opera gloves.

The dress code for the state dinner, inside the East Room, is white tie.

The First Lady was integral in planning the dinner, but the guest list had to be drastically cut to 120 to ensure there was enough space to accommodate everyone.

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A new ballroom is being built to cater for future grand events at the White House, inspired by Donald Trump's previous visit to Windsor Castle and the state banquet there held inside St George's Hall.

Among the guests at the dinner are the golfer Rory McIlroy, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, and three of Trump's children: Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany.

King Charles gave a speech where he jokingly referenced the ballroom renovations, comparing it to Britain burning down the White House during the War of 1812.

"On this occasion, I cannot help noticing the 'readjustments' to the East Wing, Mr President, following your visit to Windsor Castle last year," the King said.

"I am sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814."

The monarch then presented Trump with the bell that hung in a British submarine, HMS Trump.

"May it stand as a testimony to our nations' shared history and shining future. And should you ever need to get hold of us, well, just give us a ring."

So far during the state visit, the Queen and First Lady have gone against the usual royal style playbook by choosing clothing that aligns better with their personal tastes rather than paying tribute to their guests through diplomatic dressing.

The two women have also largely stuck with home-made designers: Queen Camilla opting for British-made, while the First Lady chose American brands for the first two day events.

Queen Camilla chose a pale mint dress and coat by Fiona Clare, one of her favourite British couturiers and a hat by her long-time milliner Philip Treacy, for the formal welcome at the White House early on Wednesday morning Australian time.

The First Lady wore a cream skirt suit by American designer Ralph Lauren and a boater-style hat by Eric Javits.

Unlike previous hats worn by Melania that have partially obscured her face, this allowed the First Lady to be seen by the cameras watching her and the Queen's every move.

Later on the second day of the visit when King Charles addressed US Congress, Queen Camilla changed into a white dress by Anna Valentine, who designed Her Majesty's wedding outfit back in 2005.

Pinned to Camilla's outfit on day two was the historic Cullinan V brooch, which features the Cullinan V diamond that was set into Her Majesty's coronation crown in 2023.

The brooch was regularly worn by Queen Elizabeth II during her 70-year reign and was arguably one of her favourite jewels.

On day one, Queen Camilla paid another touching nod to her late mother-in-law through her jewellery.

As she and the King stepped off the plane onto American soil on Tuesday, the diamonds in her brooch glittered in the sunlight.

Camilla was wearing a pin featuring the Union Jack and US flags, designed by Cartier and gifted to Queen Elizabeth in 1957 when she visited New York.

The jewel was not worn publicly by the late monarch, with Queen Camilla choosing to wear it for the first time this week – fittingly during the US state visit, which celebrates 250 years since the US gained independence from Great Britain.

The Queen's pale pink dress was a Dior creation, choosing a European label loved by the US First Lady who has a long history of wearing designs by the French fashion house.

Camilla changed outfits before she and King Charles met US President Donald Trump and Melania at the White House a short time later.

The Queen chose a white Anna Valentine coatdress, again featuring black trimming.

The black trim of the dress was perhaps a nod to Queen Elizabeth II's outfit when she visited the White House in 2007, with Prince Philip. That visit would mark Elizabeth's final time on US soil.

The First Lady opted for a pale yellow shirt suit by American designer Adam Lippes, a rare patriotic choice from Melania who often wears Dior for such occasions.

When Trump and the First Lady were at Windsor Castle in September, Melania chose a dark Dior suit for the arrival.

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