Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Royal Rivalry: Kate vs. Melania's High-Stakes Fashion Duel

The Princess of Wales met the Trumps off their helicopter at Windsor looking powerfully on-trend in a bespoke knee-length double-breasted coat by British designer Emilia Wickstead

Diplomatic Dressing: The High-Stakes Wardrobe Choices of Two First Ladies

It's a given that when you marry a high-profile husband, your fashion choices will be scrutinized by the world's critical eyes. But for Princess Kate and Melania Trump, this scrutiny reaches new heights during state visits, where every outfit is a carefully crafted message of diplomacy and style.

While their husbands, Prince William and Donald Trump, can get away with wearing the same old suit-and-tie combo day in and day out (boring!), the ladies are expected to bring the glamour. And boy, did they deliver!

Touching down on Windsor Castle¿s manicured lawn, Melania Trump wore a saucer hat, in regal purple, and remained loyal to her longstanding French favourite, Christian Dior

On Wednesday morning, Princess Kate met the Trumps at Windsor Castle, looking absolutely regal in a bespoke £2,200 Emilia Wickstead coat that would make even the most seasoned fashionista green with envy. This season's hottest color, burgundy, was perfectly on-trend as she paired it with a matching Jane Taylor 'Neso' hat adorned with a satin bow and a coordinating burgundy veil. We're guessing the wind from the helicopter didn't stand a chance against that securely fastened fascinator!

But what really caught our attention was her £5,100 Chanel Classic Flap Bag in quilted burgundy leather – talk about making a statement! And let's not forget those ruby earrings and Gianvito Rossi pumps in coordinating brown suede. We're guessing she didn't have to sacrifice style for security protocols (although, we're sure she did have to endure some serious scrutiny from the paparazzi).

Meanwhile, Melania Trump touched down on Windsor Castle's manicured lawn in a show-stopping Christian Dior haute couture single-breasted suit in dark grey wool. Because who needs British designers when you've got French flair and a dash of deference (Jonathan Anderson, the Northern Irish-born designer behind the brand, must have been smiling from ear to ear)? We're loving her classic black pumps – but where's the handbag? Is this a subtle power play or just a stylistic decision?

Both women opted for tried and tested silhouettes they¿ve worn many times before. Pictured: Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla and Melania Trump

Now, we know what you're thinking: "But didn't Melania wear something even more breathtaking on Tuesday evening?" And yes, she did! A floor-length Burberry trench coat that left some critics wondering if it was a bit too long (Inspector Gadget-esque, anyone?) – but others praised its elegance. We're calling it regal, and it just so happens to be one of the most venerated luxury heritage brands in Britain (the late Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Camilla would be proud!).

As we take stock of these two First Ladies' wardrobe choices, one thing becomes clear: they're not just dressing for themselves – they're representing their countries. It's a delicate balance between style, substance, and diplomacy. Will they get it right? Only time (and the fashion world) will tell.

But in all seriousness, these outfits are more than just clothes; they're a reflection of the women behind them. Princess Kate exudes confidence and poise in her bespoke Emilia Wickstead coat, while Melania Trump channels her inner regal with that stunning Christian Dior suit. Who knew state visits could be so... fabulous?

President Donald Trump and Melania's second-ever state visit is certain to go down in the history books as an elite lesson in diplomatic dressing

As we conclude this tale of two First Ladies' fashion fiascos (and triumphs), one thing remains certain: when it comes to diplomatic dressing, these women have got it down to a science. Long may they reign in style!

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com

Melania opted for a haute couture single-breasted suit, in dark grey wool, that comprised of a long-line jacket and a knee-length pencil skirt

Kate wore her elegant coat with a matching Jane Taylor ¿Neso¿ hat decorated with a satin bow and matching burgundy veil