Melania Trump's 'quiet power' as friend gives insight into her plans after UK visit gaffe

Melania Trump is reportedly "acutely aware" of a blunder made by her husband, Donald Trump, during a meeting with Queen Elizabeth and is adamant that "nothing will go wrong" this time around. In July, Trump formally accepted an invitation from King Charles for a second state visit at Windsor Castle.

The visit, scheduled for 17 to 19 September, will see Trump accompanied by his wife Melania, the First Lady. A recent article discussing Melania's political influence, following reports of her penning a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested she aims to better her previous visit.

According to a "friend" of Melania quoted in the Daily Mail, she is "acutely aware" of what the paper termed an "embarrassing moment" during his first state visit in 2019.

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The incident in question happened when the US President was accused of barging "in front" of the now late Queen Elizabeth II, as they inspected a guard of honour by the esteemed Coldstream Guards.

He subsequently faced backlash on social media when he walked ahead of the Queen, who was seemingly left trying to catch up with Trump and deciding which side of him to walk on.

Now, Melania's friend asserts that the First Lady has been "working on her wardrobe choices for months" and added: "This time, nothing will go wrong. Underestimate her at your peril."

Another source said Melania is far more involved with Trump's decisions than people know, adding: "Just because you don’t see her, don’t assume she’s not there. He’s on the phone to her all day long."

Furthermore, the First Lady is reportedly focused on building her husband’s legacy and also her own – as the "quiet power".

Meanwhile, according to The Independent, Trump's protocol gaffe wasn't the only blunder made during his last visit, with a second red-faced moment also involving Melania.

As the Queen greeted the pair at Windsor Castle during Trump's first presidency, Donald didn't bow and Melania didn't curtsy, instead offering handshakes to the monarch.

It's worth noting that bowing and curtsying aren't actually mandatory, but they are widely observed and regarded as what the publication termed "good manners."

Despite these slip-ups, one Trump insider insisted he remains a "huge fan" of the royals. As the event approaches, the MAGA leader is reportedly "very much looking forward" to his encounter with Charles and Camilla.

Second-term presidents aren't typically granted a state visit and are instead welcomed for tea or lunch with the King or Queen.

However, it's due to take place at Windsor Castle due to ongoing refurbishments that are occurring at Buckingham Palace, and all senior royals are expected to participate in the proceedings.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered the King's invitation to Trump during a White House visit in February. At the time, the US President described it as a "great, great honour" and "really something".

In remarks expressing his "respect" for the Royal Family, Trump said: "I'm a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William. We have really just a great respect for the family."