On Tuesday, all four attended a ceremonial military review on the White House’s South Lawn. As rain began to fall, the damp conditions led to a typically British remark from Camilla that appeared to catch Melania off guard.
Shared Duties, Limited Spotlight
Throughout the visit, Melania and Camilla have spent time together, marking their third formal meeting in a state visit setting. It is also Camilla’s first time inside the White House since Charles became king in 2022.
During Trump’s visit to the UK last year, the two women toured Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library, and this time they again shared moments away from the main spotlight. While Charles and Trump held private discussions, Melania guided Camilla through the tennis pavilion, where they viewed historical displays.
Royal expert Elizabeth Holmes told CNN that both women have approached their roles in a similar way.
“Neither one of them is stealing any of the spotlight here. In this case, Charles and Trump are very much the focal point. And I would bet both men appreciate that. Certainly, Charles has had times in his life when he was not the focal point,” Holmes said, adding that both the first lady and the queen represent women expected to take on supporting roles.
A Polite but Distant Relationship
Despite appearing comfortable together, the two are not believed to share a close personal bond.
“I don’t know of any sort of established relationship between the first lady and the queen, nor do I think there necessarily has to be one,” Holmes explained. “This, to me, feels very much like the first lady and the queen are going through the motions of what their role requires.”
Alongside private meetings and informal chats, the visit also included formal events. One of the most significant was the ceremonial military review held on Tuesday, considered one of the highest honors the U.S. can offer a visiting head of state.
Unlike the previous day’s sunshine, the weather turned wet, bringing a distinctly British feel to the occasion. Trump and Charles sat together, while Camilla and Melania were seated side by side across the stage as the rain continued.
The “Soggy Bottoms” Moment
According to lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling, the rainy setting led to a lighthearted exchange between the two women. As they prepared to sit, Camilla reportedly said, “Oh, it’s rather wet.”
Melania agreed, replying that it “certainly is,” and the pair shared a laugh. Camilla then added, “We shall have soggy bottoms,” referring to the damp seats.
The phrase appeared to confuse the first lady. Reportedly surprised, Melania asked, “What did I just hear?” before repeating, “Soggy bottoms?”
The expression originates from the British TV show The Great British Bake Off, where it humorously describes undercooked pastry. Camilla is known to enjoy the program, though the phrase may have been unfamiliar to Melania.
The exchange offered a rare glimpse of humor during an otherwise formal and closely watched state visit. It also highlighted subtle cultural differences, as a very British phrase briefly became an unexpected talking point on the White House lawn.
