Princess Kate Set to Play Major Role in ‘Massaging’ Trump’s 'Ego' During State Visit
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were scheduled to make their second state visit to the UK from September 17 to September 19. However, a new report confirms that, owing to the couple’s busy schedules, they will now arrive a day earlier and depart on September 18. During the visit, Kate Middleton is expected to play a major role, greeting the presidential couple alongside Prince William on September 17. Her presence has been described as the ‘icing on the cake’.
On the first day, the Trumps will be greeted on behalf of King Charles and Queen Camilla by Warren A. Stephens, the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Henry Hood, the Lord-in-Waiting. A report by HELLO! understands that the pair will not be participating in any public engagements on Tuesday night, but will spend the night at Windsor Castle. They are scheduled to leave following an engagement at Chequers. On September 17, the King and Queen Consort will welcome the presidential couple, and a royal salute will be fired from both the east lawn of Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. It will be followed by a carriage procession through the grounds of the Windsor estate.
Explaining Middleton’s pivotal role during the state visit, royal expert Jennie Bond told The Mirror, "The icing on the cake for Donald Trump would, of course, be the presence of the Princess of Wales at some of the events and at the state dinner." The expert also believed that the Prince and Princess would take into account their important role in maintaining diplomacy. She added, "I’m sure both William and Catherine recognize the importance of massaging the President’s ego, and they will play as prominent a part as possible. It’s what the monarch and his senior working royals must do. It’s their job and their duty, and they will do it well."
For the upcoming visit, Middleton is also scheduled to meet Melania at Frogmore Gardens, where their 'secret squirrel' mission will take place: a meeting with Dwayne Fields, Chief Scout of the Scouts Association, of which the Princess is a patron. The ladies will also meet members of the Scouts' Squirrels programme, to hear more about how children can earn a nature-related badge as part of the scheme. According to the Palace, Donald and Melania will stay at Windsor Castle throughout their visit.
Donald and Melania’s visit to the UK is the second time they have been extended an invitation, a rare honor for any US president. However, his upcoming arrival has caused much tension within the Palace. According to a civil servant who spoke to The Daily Beast, Charles is allegedly 'very concerned' that Trump might use the occasion to launch an anti-immigration rant. They spilled, "Of course, he [Trump] will make a speech and propose toasts at the banquet in his honor...The one group of people Trump seems to respect is the British royal family, so we will just have to hope for the best."