Kate Middleton tries to avoid awkward Melania clash as Trump calls Princess 'beautiful'

The Princess of Wales joined Queen Camilla in going to great lengths to avoid one particular clash with the First Lady Melania Trump during the President's state visit, a royal source claims.

Senior members of the Royal Family met Donald Trump and his wife Melania at Windsor Castle today for a meeting full of pomp and pageantry. Prince William and Princess Kate were the first to greet the couple as they landed via helicopter flanked by tight security. King Charles and Camilla then swiftly followed with a warm welcome.

This evening, the royals will host a state banquet for the Trumps at Windsor Castle. And according to Charles' former butler Grant Harrold, preparations would have been underway for months ahead of the event - with outfits and style choices also being carefully planned to avoid any awkward double-ups.

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Harrold said it is important that the royal women don't clash with the First Lady. Speaking on behalf of OLBG, he said: "Kate and Camilla's offices will be in touch with Melania's office to find out what colour outfit she's planning to wear.|

While the late Queen Elizabeth tended to wear off white dresses to such occasions and Queen Camilla usually does the same, Kate is more modern and opts for colour more often than not, Harrold said.

He explained: "If two guests wear white or a neutral colour it doesn't really matter, however the issue comes in if they're both in the same shade of blue or something."

Trump, 79, met with the Prince and Princess of Wales after disembarking from Marine One. Jeremy Freeman, an expert lip reader, analysed footage showing the president meeting William and Kate. Jeremy claimed that the POTUS told Kate straight away: "You're so beautiful, so."

The King and Trump travelled in a royal carriage together during the procession towards the castle, while Camilla and Melania shared another coach, with William and Kate following behind.

Later, Trump will be joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to watch a US and UK flypast over Windsor, then there will be the banquet in St George's Hall. This will involve speeches by the King and Trump.

Ahead of the visit, Trump said the trip was an "honour", calling Charles an “elegant gentleman” who “represents the country so well”. While staying at the US ambassador's London residence the night before his Windsor visit, Trump said of the King: "He's been a friend of mine for a long time, and everybody respects him, and they love him."

The president added: "I have a lot of things here that warm my heart. I want to tell you. It's a very special place."

During the visit, the Trump's also exchanged gifts with the King and Queen. Trump was given a hand-bound leather book to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and a Union Flag that was flown above Buckingham Palace on his inauguration day.

Meanwhile, Melania was given a silver and enamel bowl made by Cara Murphy, and a personalised Anya Hindmarch bag.