Body language expert finds Kate Middleton ‘much more confident’ than Melania Trump during state visit
LONDON, ENGLAND: Kate Middleton and Melania Trump appeared together during Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK, drawing attention to their fashion choices and body language.
A leading expert studied their appearance and offered insights into how the Princess of Wales carried herself compared to the first lady.
Images and video from the event at a children’s Scouts group showed both women smiling and interacting, but differences in their presence stood out.
Celebrating nature with @FLOTUS, Dwayne Fields and @scouts 🌿
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 18, 2025
Today's activities show how time spent appreciating the natural world can inspire young people, as well as nurturing the values of friendship and cooperation. pic.twitter.com/W5QOePXXQY
Expert says Kate Middleton led with confidence beside Melania Trump
Leading body language expert Darren Stanton analyzed the pair’s demeanor during the outing. According to the expert, Kate Middleton projected assurance, while Melania Trump appeared slightly less at ease during her visit.
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Stanton told IrishStar, "Kate comes over much more confident, perhaps this is because Melania is the guest."
He noted how the women connected well, explaining, "Both Kate and Melania were walking at the same pace, they were tilted towards each other, so they clearly connected well."
"Kate comes across the more dominant personality, and she is taking the lead but, of course, Kate is looking after Melania and hosting her," Stanton said.
He added that their public duties may also explain the difference. "I don’t think Melania has quite the same degree of confidence as Kate. Kate is also used to doing single walkabouts whereas we don’t see this much from Melania, she generally is by Donald’s side."
Melania Trump’s bold state banquet gown draws attention
While body language set one tone, fashion choices added another layer during the state visit.
At Wednesday night’s banquet, Melania wore a striking yellow gown with a baby pink belt, her hair down, and sparkling dangling earrings.
Celebrity stylist and Vogue contributor Marian Kwei described the look as unexpected for such a formal evening.
"Melania's gown was not the expected colour to see at a high state banquet. Although it perhaps is in keeping with state dress protocol, the strapless gown is a little on the daring side," said Kwei to BBC.
Melania has long been known for her dramatic hats, including the white and navy wide-brimmed hat that caught attention at Donald Trump’s inauguration. That style created a memorable moment when her husband tried to kiss her, only for the brim to get in the way, sparking internet buzz.
Fashion experts say Melania Trump’s hats carry meaning
During her visit to Windsor Castle, Melania wore another eye-catching piece: a wide-brimmed purple hat paired with a dark grey Dior suit.
Kwei suggested the choice was intentional. "Melania's hat is not by chance. The hat with the wide brim that hides her face is pointing to a stance where she wants all eyes on her husband and his agenda while here," said Kwei.
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton opted for a couture gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley.
She wore a full-length gold Chantilly lace evening coat for the banquet, which royal expert Victoria Murphy described as fitting the grandeur of the event.
"This is a really show-stopping dress and for me it really fits with the theme of this state visit being extra," said Murphy as per BBC.
When Melania first landed in the UK, she chose a Burberry trench coat, a piece synonymous with British style.
The honey-colored coat was floor-length, worn with the collar turned up, showing flashes of the brand’s signature lining. She completed the look with boots and dark sunglasses.
