During the US state visit in April 2026, all eyes were on the blossoming relationship between First Lady Melania Trump and Queen Camilla.
The trip, taking place between 27 and 30 April, held significant importance as the first British state visit to the US since Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 2007. Furthermore, as the United States approached the 250th anniversary of its independence from Britain, the royals needed to demonstrate the strong bond between the two nations.
When Donald Trump's wife presented King Charles's wife with a sparkling piece of jewellery, it therefore sparked a reaction when Camilla appeared not to wear it for long – but what was the reason?
© Getty ImagesCamilla swaps out the brooch
© Getty ImagesThe wife of King Charles was seen with the Tiffany & Co. brooch, featuring a diamond floral setting surrounded by a cluster of rubies, while bidding goodbye to the Trumps at the White House.
However, Camilla removed the brooch, swapping it for a Cartier design featuring both the Union Jack and the American flag upon her arrival at Arlington National Cemetery. It was the same jewel worn by Her Majesty when arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland a few days prior.
Why is this jewel special?
© Getty ImagesIt is an equally special jewel in Camilla's collection, as it was presented to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 by Robert F. Wagner Jr., a former Mayor of New York. The exchange occurred during an important State Visit during the height of the Cold War and was arranged to reinforce the ties of friendship between the US and the UK.
Melania Trump's gift to the Queen
© Getty ImagesIt is customary for the King and Queen to swap gifts with their guests during a State Visit of this nature. The brooch, which has been estimated to be worth £30,000, was gifted to the Queen by the First Lady during her and President Donald Trump's State Visit to the UK last September.
In return, Camilla gifted Melania a handbag by Anya Hindmarch and a silver and enamel bowl crafted by Northern Irish artist Cara Murphy.
Camilla's final USA look
© Kevin Dietsch/Getty ImagesCamilla's brooch aside, she also wore a lovely blue dress for her White House departure. As identified by Royal Fashion Police on Instagram, the royal donned a plated number by Anna Valentine featuring a sharp collared neckline.
She added a pair of blue suede shoes by Eliot Zed, a favourite of the Queen's, as well as her go-to Van Cleef & Arpels 'Vintage Alhambra 5 Motifs' bracelet, which added a further £4,500 to her look. The finishing touch came in the form of her pavé-set diamond pendant earrings.
Earlier in the day, while visiting Virginia, Camilla wore the same dress but swapped her blue shoes for the same brand's 'Gladys' leather pumps, and she carried the endlessly chic 'Quilted Travel Kit Vanity Case Navy Calfskin Gold Hardware' by Chanel.
