After the week we’ve all had, let’s take a break from heavy politics and bring a little sparkle to the conversation. Sometimes the best way to make sense of the world is to step back and laugh at the theater of it all. And nothing serves theater better than a royal state visit.
President Donald Trump and Princess Kate
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— Bella (@stockbella) September 18, 2025
State visits are supposed to be about diplomacy, but they often feel like theater with better costumes. President Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom delivered the full production: horse-drawn carriages, tiaras, gowns, and an occasional whiff of awkwardness. It also offered a reminder of why America decided to part ways with Britain in 1776. We prefer freedom to fuss, elections to etiquette, and leaders who answer to the people, not to a crown.
The Fashion Diplomacy
At the Windsor Castle banquet, Melania Trump did not just enter the room, she owned it. She wore a striking yellow Carolina Herrera gown with a rich purple belt that radiated confidence. It was elegance with personality, a reminder that America does not need crowns to look regal.
Who thinks Melania Trump is the most stunning First Lady America has ever had ? pic.twitter.com/vt2O5sy9pg
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) September 17, 2025
Princess Kate, by contrast, chose a traditional gold lace gown with pearls and the iconic Lover’s Knot Tiara. She looked every bit the polished royal. Yet while her look echoed continuity, Melania’s look made a statement about individuality. The contrast summed up the larger difference between monarchy and republic.
Protocol in Action
If fashion was the stage, protocol was the script. Cameras captured Queen Camilla subtly motioning for Kate Middleton to step back while she spoke with Melania. Kate complied, creating one of those “was that a snub?” moments that tabloids live for.
Damn. Camilla doesn’t seem to be too happy with Kate. First Kate gets the side-eye and then shooed away like she’s a gnat. Move…get outta here….go away…go talk to your husband.
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— Julie (@Julie_In_The_OC) September 17, 2025
Then there was the chatter about Melania not curtsying to King Charles or Queen Camilla. Technically, curtsies are optional. For Americans, they are unnecessary. The entire Revolution was about never bowing to kings again. Handshakes are enough.
The Pageantry
Britain does pageantry better than anyone. Processions, banquets, glittering jewelry, and careful choreography. Every move is symbolic. Who walks in front, who sits where, who greets first. It is meant to project unity and tradition.
America does things differently. We prefer noisy debates, blunt speeches, and sometimes chaotic politics. But our messiness is a reminder that the people hold the power. Watching royals arrange themselves like chess pieces is impressive, but it is also a reminder of why Americans chose self-government.
The Soft Power Game
These visits matter because they are about soft power. They shape how nations see each other. The images of Melania standing tall, Kate stepping back, or Trump beside King Charles will circulate far beyond the palace walls. They send signals about respect, confidence, and influence.
But to an American audience, the whole spectacle feels more like a costume drama. It is entertaining, but it also reinforces the point: Britain’s strength is tradition, while America’s strength is freedom.
Why 1776 Still Matters
Every awkward shuffle, every bow, every tiara reminds us of the choice our Founders made. They rejected the idea that authority flows from a crown. They built a system where authority flows from the people. Watching Queen Camilla wave Kate away was a perfect metaphor. Royals choreograph, we choose.
But if you want to take the time to watch the whole production, here ya go:
Final Bow
Trump’s UK state visit delivered glamour, gossip, and enough protocol drama to keep the tabloids busy. Melania dazzled, Kate charmed, Camilla directed, and the cameras captured it all. But for Americans, it was more than entertainment. It was a reminder that while we respect tradition, we are grateful for the chaos and freedom of our Republic.
And for that, we will always raise a glass to 1776.
Feature Image: Created in Canva Pro
The post Why Trump’s UK State Visit Makes America Grateful for 1776 appeared first on An Americanist.
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