A shared commitment to conservation strengthens ties despite past family tensions
Melania Trump and King Charles III have developed an unexpected friendship, exchanging letters centred on their mutual dedication to environmental issues. This marks a significant change in the dynamic between the Trump family and the British royals, which has at times been fraught with tension.
The relationship has evolved despite past controversies, notably when Donald Trump publicly criticised Catherine over an incident involving long-lens photographs of her at a private estate in France. This remark displeased King Charles, his sons, and royal watchers alike.
Reflecting on their bond, Melania shared that her connection with King Charles deepened during a state banquet in 2019. "I was seated next to him, and it was a true pleasure to reconnect," she wrote, reminiscing about their initial meeting years earlier in New York. She expressed admiration for his unwavering commitment to environmental causes, a passion they now share through their ongoing correspondence.
Melania also acknowledged the late Queen Elizabeth II, noting that while the Queen never visited them again before her passing in 2022, the Trumps’ friendship with King Charles has continued.
Royal biographer Christopher Andersen has detailed the historical friction between the Trump family and the royals, highlighting incidents such as Donald Trump’s remarks about Princess Diana and the backlash surrounding his comments on Catherine’s privacy violation. Despite these past challenges, Melania and King Charles appear to have found common ground through their environmental interests.
