Camilla awkwardly declines $40700 gift from Melania Trump
Queen Camilla received a luxurious gift from Melania Trump during a state visit last week, but the royal opted to make a swift change after departing the White House. Melania presented Camilla, aged 78, with a Tiffany & Co. brooch, which she wore prominently as she accompanied her husband, King Charles, during their visit to the U.S. The couple was warmly received at the White House by the First Lady and then-President Donald Trump.
Upon bidding farewell to the Trumps, Camilla sported the exquisite brooch, adorned with diamonds and rubies, reportedly valued at around $40,700. However, as soon as she left the White House, Camilla subtly swapped out the Tiffany & Co. brooch for a Cartier piece for her visit to Arlington National Cemetery. The new jewelry item she chose featured both the Union Jack and the American flag, matching the one she wore upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
This gesture of switching jewelry items after the visit to the White House echoed courteous royal protocol, which commonly involves exchanging gifts during state visits. In fact, the Tiffany & Co. brooch was initially given to Camilla by Melania during the Trumps’ state visit to the UK in the previous September. In return, Camilla presented Melania with a stylish handbag by Anya Hindmarch and a silver and enamel bowl crafted by artist Cara Murphy.
During their state visit to the U.S., King Charles and Queen Camilla reciprocated the gesture of gift-giving by presenting the Trumps with a special gift. Charles gifted President Trump with a bell from a British submarine dating back to World War II, impeccably named HMS Trump. The thoughtful gift was imparted during a formal state dinner at the White House, with Charles expressing his hopes that it would symbolize the shared history and promising future of the two nations.
In a playful and light-hearted reference to the bell, Charles humorously added, “And should you ever need to get hold of us, well, just give us a ring.” His speech also touched on the enduring bond between Britain and America, aligning the history of the two nations with themes of reconciliation, close partnership, and mutual defense against global threats.
In summary, Queen Camilla’s choice to switch out the Tiffany & Co. brooch with a Cartier piece after leaving the White House following the state visit underscored the intricate traditions of royal gift-giving and diplomatic gestures observed during such international engagements. The exchange of meaningful gifts between the British royals and the Trumps exemplified the tactful and symbolic gestures that deepen ties between nations and honor shared histories.