The Princess of Wales took on a central role during the state visit
During President Donald Trump’s recent state visit to the UK, Kate Middleton faced “a lot” of pressure, according to an expert.
President Trump, 79, and his wife, First Lady Melania, visited the UK on an “unprecedented” state visit.
The Princess of Wales, 43, played a key role during the two-day trip, which took place from September 17 to 18. According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Kate handled the pressure with grace.
Kate Middleton under ‘pressure’ during Donald Trump state visit
Speaking to PEOPLE, Seward said Kate was “very aware” of the spotlight on her throughout the visit, particularly at the state banquet.
“She lightened the whole evening,” Seward said. “She lit up the table with the megawatt smile. There was a lot of pressure on her because all eyes were on her. She would be very aware that the most important person there was the king, but she can’t help that all eyes are on her.”
“There was a lot of pressure on her because all eyes were on her.
Wearing a golden evening coat and gown by Phillipa Lepley, Kate made what Seward called “the most magnificent” appearance.
“She never looked as good as she did the other night,” the expert added. “She looked golden. It’s definitely the best I’ve ever seen her look at a state banquet.”
As has become customary during major state visits since King Charles’ accession in 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales were central figures in hosting duties.
On September 17, they were the first royals to greet President Trump and First Lady Melania, 55, in Windsor, before accompanying them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla for a ceremonial welcome. This was followed by a formal luncheon and later a state banquet at Windsor Castle.
At dinner, Princess Kate was seated beside the president, and a photo of the two laughing together didn’t go unnoticed.
“She obviously amused him. She is just a doyenne of perfect manners,” Seward gushed.
Kate is the royal family’s ‘weapon’
Throughout the state visit, Kate’s poise, charm, and public warmth helped anchor the royals’ diplomatic mission.
Seward said she’s “definitely showing traits of being a remarkable future queen”. She described the Princess of Wales as someone whose presence is impossible to ignore.
After the formal farewell on September 18, Kate stepped back into the limelight again, this time with Melania, as the pair visited a Scouts Squirrels programme for young children, reflecting both women’s commitment to causes involving youth and education.
The appearance also marked Kate’s first joint engagement with a first lady, as part of her role as joint president of the Scouts.
When asked if Princess Kate is the royal family’s “secret weapon,” Seward was clear. She said Kate is “the weapon, not a secret one”.
The visit was also a showcase for what Seward describes as the monarchy’s enduring “soft power,” the ability to charm, influence, and uphold tradition on the global stage.
Seward noted that despite everything, the royals still excelled with a “show of pomp and circumstance”.
