It’s Ladies Day! Melania Trump meets Scouts with the Princess of Wales after tour of Windsor Castle’s Dolls’ House with Queen Camilla

It couldn’t have been more of a contrast to the glitter of last night’s state banquet.

But the Princess of Wales and the US First Lady looked equally at home out of their finery as they joined a group of Scouts ‘in the wild’ at Windsor this morning.

Catherine, 43, invited Melania Trump, 55, to join her for a fun last engagement together before she departs the castle to join her husband Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer at the Prime Minister’s country home at Chequers in Buckinghamshire.

Kate wore a skirt by Ralph Lauren and a scarf from Sudbury Mill in Suffolk, where she visited last week to watch the production of the silk jacquard and help weave. She also wore a khaki suede jacket and brown cashmere knitted vest from Me+Em.

The two ladies met up with a group of Scouts Squirrels – the youngest part of the UK Scouting organisation and designed for four to five-year-olds – who were working to earn their ‘Go Wild’ badge in Frogmore Gardens, in front of Frogmore House.

The gardens are on the estate where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lived from 2019 at Frogmore Cottage, a Grade-II listed two-storey, stucco-faced house.

In 2023, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were asked to vacate the property – which had been a gift from Queen Elizabeth II – after stepping down as senior royals.

The estate is also the site of the 17th century Frogmore House, a royal residence since 1792 and where the Sussexes had their wedding reception in 2018.

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and First Lady Melania Trump at Frogmore Gardens in Windsor today

+68
View gallery

Melania Trump meets a group of young children at Frogmore in Windsor this morning

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and The First Lady spend time with the Squirrels at Frogmore Gardens

+68
View gallery

First Lady Melania Trump meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and First Lady Melania Trump visit Frogmore Gardens in Windsor today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and First Lady Melania Trump at Frogmore Gardens in Windsor today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and The First Lady spend time with the Squirrels at Frogmore Gardens

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and The First Lady spend time with the Squirrels at Frogmore Gardens

+68
View gallery

First Lady Melania Trump meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales plays with children at Frogmore Gardens in Windsor today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and The First Lady spend time with the Squirrels at Frogmore Gardens

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

First Lady Melania Trump meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

First Lady Melania Trump meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and The First Lady spend time with the Squirrels at Frogmore Gardens

+68
View gallery

First Lady Melania Trump meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and The First Lady spend time with the Squirrels at Frogmore Gardens

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

First Lady Melania Trump meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales meets members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme at Frogmore today

+68
View gallery

Melania Trump meets a group of young children at Frogmore in Windsor this morning

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and First Lady Melania Trump at Frogmore Gardens in Windsor today

+68
View gallery

+68
View gallery

Kate wore a dark green suede jacket for the engagement while Melania also opted for suede, choosing a tan colour

+68
View gallery

Kate through herself into the children’s activities today, laughing as she took part in the games

+68
View gallery

More children joined in as Kate took the lead with one of the outdoor activities

+68
View gallery

Melania was pictured with the children as they took part in arts and crafts projects

+68
View gallery

Meanwhile, Kate entertained the young scouts with a cuddly toy

+68
View gallery

Melania appeared animated as she took part in the children’s art projects today

+68
View gallery

The Princess of Wales and the First Lady were joined by two of the Squirrel Scouts as they talked to one of the scout leaders

+68
View gallery

Kate and Melania appeared relaxed and comfortable as they spent the morning together

+68
View gallery

One little girl held Melania’s hand as they strolled in Frogmore Gardens

+68
View gallery

For one activity, the Squirrel Scouts along with their leaders formed a circle with Kate and Melania

+68
View gallery

Kate smiled as she looked at a picture made by one of the young Squirrel Scouts

+68
View gallery

The princess also took part herself, taking the time to draw a picture on a piece of car while members of the Squirrel Scouts and their leaders looked on

+68
View gallery

Kate appeared excited to be spending the morning outside with the young scouts

A Coordinated Entrance

Observers were quick to notice that Catherine and Melania had chosen outfits that seemed to mirror each other in both tone and sophistication. Catherine appeared in a tailored cream coatdress paired with soft caramel heels, a nod to her signature understated chic. Melania opted for a structured beige ensemble with a matching belt and nude pumps, her polished style harmonizing effortlessly with Catherine’s.

This visual synchronicity sparked instant commentary. Was it intentional coordination, a quiet symbol of unity between the British monarchy and the American First Family? Or was it simply an elegant coincidence? Whatever the case, the fashion world—and social media—erupted with admiration. Photos of the pair walking side by side through Windsor’s gardens were quickly shared thousands of times, with captions highlighting their “twinning moment.”

---

Meeting the Scouts

After the castle tour, the royal motorcade and the First Lady’s security detail escorted the group to an outdoor pavilion prepared by the Scouts Association. Here, the mood shifted from formal to playful. Dozens of Scouts, aged between 7 and 14, were waiting eagerly, their uniforms neatly pressed, badges shining proudly on their sleeves.

Catherine, long known for her work with youth organizations and her role as a figurehead for children’s mental health initiatives, looked completely at home. She knelt down to greet the Scouts at eye level, her voice gentle yet enthusiastic. “What an impressive display,” she remarked, gesturing at the tables filled with paints, brushes, and nature crafts.

Melania followed with equal warmth. Known for her “Be Best” initiative focused on children, she praised the Scouts for their dedication. “You are the leaders of tomorrow,” she told them, placing her hand gently over her heart. The children beamed, clearly delighted by her kind words.

---

Paint, Crafts, and Laughter

One of the highlights of the afternoon was when both Catherine and Melania joined the children in painting wooden plaques that would later be displayed as part of the Scouts’ community art project. Rolling up the cuffs of her coatdress, Catherine leaned over the table, carefully helping a young girl mix colors. Melania, on the other side, laughed as a little boy splattered a bit of blue paint across the table. “It’s all part of the fun!” she said, lifting her brush.

Observers described the scene as refreshingly genuine. Gone were the glittering tiaras and ballgowns of the banquet the night before; here, the Princess of Wales and the American First Lady were simply two mothers, enjoying crafts with children.

Catherine even joined a group of Scouts in sketching Windsor’s ancient trees, encouraging them to notice the “tiny details that make nature extraordinary.” Meanwhile, Melania was spotted helping a shy Scout tie a knot, recalling her own son Barron’s early days of school activities.

---

Shared Values on Display

The coordinated appearance and their hands-on involvement carried a deeper message. Both women, in their respective roles, have long emphasized the importance of nurturing children and empowering young people. Catherine has tirelessly championed early childhood development, while Melania has spoken about kindness, online safety, and the resilience of youth.

By meeting the Scouts together, they symbolically reinforced the idea that nurturing the next generation transcends politics and borders.

---

Behind the Scenes: A Relaxed Exchange

Witnesses noted that the bond between Catherine and Melania seemed warmer than expected. Cameras caught them laughing softly as they compared their paint-splattered hands, with Catherine joking, “I think mine’s more of a mess than theirs!” Melania responded with a smile: “That means you did it the right way.”

At one point, the two women sat side by side on a bench while the Scouts sang a short campfire song. Catherine tapped her foot lightly to the rhythm, while Melania nodded along, clearly enjoying the cheerful atmosphere. The image of two of the world’s most photographed women sitting informally among children struck many as a powerful reminder of the human side of public figures.

---

Global Reaction

Within minutes, images and clips from Windsor began circulating worldwide. The hashtags #CatherineAndMelania and #ScoutDayAtWindsor trended across platforms. Fashion critics applauded their coordinated looks, while parenting blogs celebrated their willingness to step away from rigid protocol to engage in something as simple—and relatable—as painting with children.

“Seeing Catherine and Melania like this reminds us that leaders aren’t only defined by speeches or state banquets,” wrote one commentator. “Sometimes, they are defined by how they kneel down to meet a child’s gaze.”

---

A Symbolic End to the Day

As the session drew to a close, the Scouts presented Catherine and Melania with small handmade gifts: a painted birdhouse for the Princess, and a woven bracelet for the First Lady. Both women received them with heartfelt gratitude. Catherine placed the birdhouse gently in her lap, promising the children it would be displayed at Kensington Palace. Melania, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist, said she would treasure it as “a reminder of kindness and creativity.”

Before leaving, the pair posed for a group photograph surrounded by the Scouts. Catherine wrapped an arm around one girl’s shoulders, while Melania leaned in close, smiling brightly. The resulting photo quickly became one of the defining images of the day—an elegant blend of tradition, diplomacy, and humanity.

---

Why This Moment Matters

In a week filled with state ceremonies, lavish banquets, and political symbolism, the Windsor Scouts visit stood out for its sheer authenticity. It showed two women of influence stepping away from protocol to highlight community, creativity, and the importance of guiding children.

The coordinated fashion may have sparked the headlines, but the real story was the shared laughter over spilled paint, the thoughtful encouragement to young Scouts, and the reminder that, even at the highest levels of diplomacy, the simplest gestures—kneeling down to listen, sharing a paintbrush, singing along with children—carry the most lasting power.