President Donald Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom entered its final day with a series of high-profile engagements, including a historic first joint outing between First Lady Melania Trump and Catherine, Princess of Wales, as reported by Fox News.
On Wednesday morning, President Trump bid farewell to King Charles III following discussions at Windsor Castle.
The two men shared a handshake before the president departed for Chequers, the prime minister’s countryside residence, where he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Their talks are expected to cover topics including Gaza, Ukraine, and U.S.-U.K. trade.
While the president turned to political discussions, the First Lady continued her schedule of engagements alongside members of the royal family.
Melania Trump, 55, partnered with Princess Kate, 43, for their first-ever joint outing at Frogmore Gardens in Windsor, where they met with children in the Scouts’ Squirrels program.
The pair joined Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and observed children working toward their “Go Wild” badge, which encourages exploration of the outdoors.
Kate, who has been Joint President of the Scout Association since 2020, sat on the grass to talk with children about their artwork. At the same time, a young girl led Melania to a table where children were building “bug hotels.”
“Show me how, what I should do,” the First Lady said, according to People. Asked her favorite insect, Melania replied, “a ladybug.”
For the Princess of Wales, the visit carried personal meaning. A former Brownie herself, Kate has described nature as an important support system during her battle with cancer.
She revealed earlier this year that she had completed chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of the disease and is currently in remission.
Earlier in the day, Melania toured Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House at Windsor Castle with Queen Camilla, 78.
Built between 1921 and 1924 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the miniature house features contributions from more than 1,500 artists, craftspeople, and manufacturers of the early 20th century. It is equipped with electricity, running water, and functioning lifts.
The First Lady and Queen Camilla also viewed items in the Royal Library, including Queen Elizabeth II’s copy of Alice in Wonderland and King George V’s Beatrix Potter collection.
The Trumps’ second state visit to Britain began on September 17 and concludes today, September 18. The two-day program included a banquet at St. George’s Hall attended by 160 guests, with over 1,300 troops and 120 horses taking part in ceremonial displays.
Before the banquet, President Trump said:
“It’s a singular privilege to be the first American president welcomed here and, if you think about it, it’s a lot of presidents and this was the second state visit, and that’s the first, and maybe that’s going to be the last time. But this is truly one of the highest honors of my life, such respect for you and such respect for your country.”
Speaking to reporters before his departure Thursday morning, the president described King Charles III as “a great gentleman, and a great King.”
Prince William also hosted a private meeting with the Trumps, joined by Kate. While Kensington Palace provided no details, the gathering was described as “warm and friendly.”
This marks the first time an American president has been honored with a second state visit to the U.K., underscoring the significance of the occasion. The Trumps were previously welcomed in 2019 during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
Melania Trump is expected to rejoin her husband at Chequers before the state visit formally concludes.
