Melania Trump shocks royal fans with rare gesture as she greets 'pen pal' Charles

First Lady Melania Trump took royal fans aback today with an unexpected gesture at Windsor, shedding light on her reportedly close friendship with King Charles III, which dates back long before either of them held their current offices

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Melania Trump has shown a slightly different side during her cheery reunion with her 'pen pal' King Charles, making an unexpected gesture during today's state visit.

The First Lady arrived in Windsor this afternoon, accompanying her husband, President Donald Trump, on what marks his second state visit to British soil.

The couple were greeted first by Prince William and Princess Kate as they left their helicopter, before meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla.

A grand welcome awaited at Windsor Castle, with guards greeting President Trump and Melania with a rousing rendition of the American National Anthem.

And behind the pomp and pageantry, royal watchers were treated to a few more personal moments, as the Trumps and the royals shook hands and exchanged face-to-face greetings.

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Melania, 55, could be seen chatting with Princess Kate and Queen Camilla, while Trump could be seen enthusiastically placing a hand on Charles' arm as they shook hands.

But for Melania, it appeared there was one member of the royal family that she was particularly delighted to see - her old 'pen pal', King Charles.

The First Lady isn't known for showing her emotions, but today could be seen beaming from ear to ear as she reunited with Charles, leaving royal watchers surprised.

In her 2024 memoir, Melania revealed that she found unexpected common ground with Charles during their initial meeting in New York in 2005. It's understood that the pair maintain their friendship through old-fashioned written correspondence, bonding through their passions for architecture, gardening, and the arts.

Writing in her book, Melania revealed she enjoys an "ongoing correspondence with King Charles III", clarifying that she and her husband "exchange letters" with the King "to this day".

Their shared interest in environmental issues reportedly brought them closer during the Trumps' 2019 state visit to the UK. The Slovenia-born Melania penned: "The evening's state banquet was a formal and elegant affair.

|I was seated next to Charles, and it was an absolute pleasure to reconnect with him. Our paths had crossed many years ago in New York City. This time, we engaged in an interesting conversation about his deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation."

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Charles is well known for his handwritten letters, which he has previously addressed to politicians, celebrities, and everyday people alike. Royal sources have previously said that the monarch finds the process of letter-writing therapeutic and meaningful.

Melania also shared heartfelt moments between her and the late Queen Elizabeth II, reminiscing about the royal hospitality extended to them in England.

In particular, the First Lady highlighted a precious gift given by the Queen - a silver box with an exquisitely crafted enamel lid, featuring designs mirroring the palace's music room ceiling.

Melania noted, "As we bid farewell to Her Majesty, we extended a cordial invitation for her return visit to the United States. She expressed her gratitude with a warm smile. Sadly, Her Majesty wasn't able to visit with us again before her death in 2022, but our friendship with the Royal Family continues, and we exchange letters with King Charles to this day."

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