Diplomacy is part of the work of being in the British royal family. Kate Middleton has always known this, and she’s been front and center in many state visits in the past. These days, she and Prince William have taken on even more of a role, as the two prepare to one day be the ones hosting foreign dignitaries. Which is why people’s eyes were on Middleton as the US President Donald Trump visited the UK recently.

And Middleton was reportedly “very aware” her presence would be scrutinized. Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told People that Middleton was “animated and happy and having a laugh” at the state banquet. “She lightened the whole evening. She lit up the table with the megawatt smile. There was a lot of pressure on her because all eyes were on her,” Seward said.

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Her interactions with Trump were also heavily dissected. “She obviously amused him,” Seward said about pictures of Middleton and Trump. “She is just a doyenne of perfect manners. He must have made her laugh.”

“She is definitely showing traits of being a remarkable future queen,” Seward added. “She has the most beautiful smile, which captivates everyone. It’s just magical.”

President Trump certainly agreed, as in the first meeting, the President and first lady Melania Trump had with Prince William and Kate Middleton, he reportedly told Middleton, “You’re beautiful, so beautiful.”

The internet wasn’t so amused by the compliment, or by the interactions at the state banquet, with one person posting on X alongside a picture of Middleton and Trump “Thought bubble for #KateMiddleton: “If this creep #Trump brushes my leg with his hand just one more time, I’m gonna clock him one.” …. #royalvisit”

Someone else took offense with that first meeting as well, saying, “President Creepy walks as Kate avoids him as well as she can” to a picture of Prince William, Kate Middleton and the US President and first lady walking side by side.

Despite all the comments, Seward also told People that the visit underscored the “soft power” the royal family has.

“It was really uplifting. It showed what we can really do when we push out the stops. Despite everything that’s going on in the world, we are still the best at putting on a show of pomp and circumstance,” Seward said. “Years ago, Charles said we must never lose that because that is what we do best — and he is absolutely right.”

And that very much includes Middleton, who some have called the royal family’s secret weapon. “She is the weapon, not a secret one,” Seward also added about the princess, who has returned to royal duties after a hard year where she was diagnosed with cancer, took some time off, and announced she was in remission.

The future of the British royal monarchy looks very different than the present, and Kate Middleton and Prince William are going to be at the center of what everyone expects to be a streamlined and more modern monarchy. But diplomacy will apparently still be at the center of what the royals do, and Middleton seems to be an old pro at it already.

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