Since ascending to the throne, King Charles has consistently shown an interest in modernizing the monarchy and connecting with the public in approachable ways. Whether meeting citizens on the streets or welcoming visiting dignitaries, he often engages in lighthearted conversation—and sometimes, he even tells a joke.
This approachable style was on display earlier this week when King Charles welcomed former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for their second state visit to the United Kingdom. Their arrival marked a historic first: no other sitting or former U.S. president has ever undertaken two state visits to the UK.
A Historic Royal Visit
Donald and Melania Trump arrived in the UK on September 16 following an invitation from King Charles in July. The visit included official engagements with the royal family, with Melania meeting Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, while Donald spent extensive time with the king. The Trumps were first greeted by Prince William and Kate Middleton before being formally introduced to King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Throughout the visit, the king’s relaxed demeanor and willingness to engage with guests were on full display. Charles is known for stopping to chat with members of the public during royal duties, often sharing jokes that elicit smiles from onlookers. For example, in a December video from Notting Hill, London, the king apologized to a group of American tourists, saying: “I’m so sorry you’re being stopped from having to get on the street. Are you all trying to go somewhere else today, are you?” He then added, referencing the rain, “You’re not getting too wet, I hope?” The interaction highlighted his desire to maintain a personable presence, even amid the formality of public engagements.
A Lighthearted Moment With Melania
During the state visit, King Charles continued this approachable style. A lip reader later confirmed that the monarch shared a joke with Melania Trump during their meeting at Windsor Castle. The first lady wore a large, wide-brimmed purple hat that partially obscured her eyes, and the exchange reflected Charles’ characteristic blend of humor and warmth.
According to forensic lipreader Nicola Hickling, Donald Trump initiated the greeting, saying, “How are you doing, it’s a pleasure, Your Majesty. Thank you for inviting me.” Charles then turned to Melania and quipped, “I do hope the wind doesn’t blow away your hat.” The first lady responded with a hearty laugh, creating a rare lighthearted moment amid the formal proceedings.
Melania’s hat choice has drawn attention from fashion experts, who suggest the selection was deliberate. Marian Kwei, a stylist and Vogue employee, explained to the BBC that the wide-brimmed design “points to an attitude where she wants all eyes to be on her husband and his agenda while they are here.” This isn’t the first time Melania has used a dramatic hat to shape public attention: she wore a similar black hat during her husband’s Inauguration Day in January, drawing considerable commentary.
King Charles’ Approach to Diplomacy
The moment with Melania underscores a broader pattern in King Charles’ style of diplomacy. While the duties of a 76-year-old monarch could be expected to be strictly ceremonial, Charles balances formality with moments of levity, creating a more human and approachable image of the monarchy. Whether engaging with visiting heads of state or citizens on the streets, he demonstrates a willingness to connect personally, blending protocol with personality.
His approach reflects an effort to modernize the royal family’s image and make the monarchy feel less distant. It also shows a keen awareness of the optics surrounding high-profile visits, where small gestures—like a well-timed joke—can set a tone of warmth and accessibility.
Public and Media Reactions
The exchange between Charles and Melania was widely discussed in both mainstream media and social platforms, with viewers praising the king’s humor and Melania’s engaging reaction. The first lady’s hat choice, while sparking debate among fashion commentators, also highlighted how personal style can intersect with diplomatic appearances. Observers noted that such interactions humanize formal events and create moments that resonate with the public.
King Charles continues to navigate the balance between tradition and approachability. His willingness to incorporate humor into formal settings reinforces his reputation as a monarch attuned to both protocol and the human element of leadership.
As international and domestic observers watch, it becomes clear that King Charles’ efforts to modernize the monarchy extend beyond policy or ceremonial reforms—they also encompass personality, engagement, and the ability to make even highly formal interactions feel personal and memorable.