President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House for a state dinner, the first formal white tie event since 2007

Melania Trump broke royal protocol again by wearing a pink strapless gown during the U.S. state visit

Melania Trump has once again broken royal protocol by wearing a "revealing" pink gown to the White House state dinner held in honor of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

On Tuesday, April 28, President Donald Trump, 79, and the 56-year-old First Lady welcomed the British monarch, 77, and Camilla, 78, to the White House for the first formal white-tie occasion there since President George W. Bush hosted Queen Elizabeth II in 2007. Upon arrival, a military color guard escorted the royal couple and their hosts to the foot of the Grand Staircase, where they stopped for photographs.

Melania attracted attention when she appeared on the South Lawn in a soft-pink silk strapless gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture. She completed her ensemble with off-white Dior suede gloves and pale Dior delphinium silk pumps. The First Lady dedicates months to planning state visits, particularly her wardrobe selections, but appears unconcerned about potential issues with her latest outfit. It comes after Trump got caught on camera doing a shocking act to Melania at an inappropriate moment.

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In the U.K., state banquets follow a white-tie dress code, which refers (particularly for male attendees) to "full evening dress," "tails" or "dress suit," representing the most formal category of attire, surpassing standard white-tie by incorporating decorations such as sashes denoting honors bestowed by the Queen.

For men, the dress code demands black pants with two lines of braiding down the outer seam, black patent leather lace-up shoes, a white bow tie, a white stiff-fronted shirt (either pleated or plain), a white low-cut waistcoat, and a black tailcoat jacket (worn unbuttoned with peaked lapels), according to Elle.

Melania Trump opted for a soft-pink gown for the U.S. state dinner honoring King Charles and Queen Camilla

For women, a floor-length ball gown is mandatory, ideally featuring a fitted bodice and full skirt. While long gloves were traditionally expected, they're no longer considered essential. Covered shoulders and a generally modest appearance remain requirements.

The Queen consistently chose white for state banquets, and notably, numerous female attendees followed her lead in color selection. Both Melania and Ivanka Trump opted for white, alongside several senior female royals, at the Buckingham Palace state banquet in 2019.

Grant Harrold, King Charles's former butler, explained, "White is a very traditional color for the state banquets." Even former First Lady Michelle Obama selected white for the state banquet in 2011.

Melania appeared unconcerned with British protocol when she selected the pink gown. Interestingly, Camilla seemed to echo her sentiment, appearing in a vibrant pink gown herself. Nevertheless, many criticized Melania's choice, with one person commenting, "I love Melania. She is stunning. But that dress looks like the inaugural gown in all white instead of black and white."

Another critic wrote, "Can't say I love that dress Melania is wearing..I don't understand the structure of it, normally I love her choices," while a third commented, "Melania is gorgeous, but this pink dress is odd. Maybe it was just a funny angle. We'll see!"

In the U.K., the state banquets' white-tie dress code is the most formal and requires women to wear modest gowns(Image: Getty Images)

A fourth took aim at both Melania and Camilla's outfits, writing, "Unpopular opinion. Not a fan of Melania or her Majesty's dress. Don't like the pink and wanted a tiara. Melania's dress makes her look hippy. Trump and the King are best dressed. Ivanka Trump is drop-dead gorgeous."

Yet another remarked, "If Melania had half a brain, she would have worn lower heels, but instead shows up in her f-me shoes, widely inappropriate for a State visit."

Melania is no stranger to commanding attention at high-profile state occasions. Last year, when Charles and Camilla welcomed her and Trump at Windsor Castle, she turned heads in a striking yellow Carolina Herrera gown featuring a pink belt. She wore her hair loose in flowing waves, accessorizing with turquoise drop earrings to pull the ensemble together.

Her shoulder-baring gown drew widespread attention for its daring aesthetic, standing in stark contrast to Kate Middleton's full-length hand-embroidered gold lace evening coat by Phillipa Lepley, worn over a silk crepe gown. Camilla opted for a floor-length royal blue Fiona Clare gown, complemented by a sapphire-and-diamond tiara and a diamond necklace.

Melania's off-the-shoulder design, which revealed some skin, was deemed unsuitable by critics. At the time, social media users questioned the dress choice, with one posting, "Off the shoulder, what is she thinking?" Another commented, "So inappropriate that dress!"

Melania Trump also turned heads with her unusual state banquet gown during a visit to the U.K. last year

This marks the second time Melania's wardrobe has drawn criticism during the current state visit. Multiple observers specifically objected to the 56-year-old's white silk and wool Ralph Lauren Collection jacket and skirt ensemble, paired with Manolo Blahnik snake pumps and a straw hat by Eric Javits. She selected this outfit earlier on Tuesday for another engagement with the royal couple at the White House.

One viewer posted on X, "Watching the King with Trump and wives at the welcoming ceremony. Melania looks like a floor lamp with that hat. Hahahaha." Another commented, "Who the hell dresses Melania? She's wearing another stupid hat and white shoes before Memorial Day!" A third criticized, "What is Melania playing now? With that ridiculous hat, will she just fly away or something?"

Meanwhile, Trump has already drawn criticism for violating royal protocol yet again. On Monday, video footage surfaced showing the royal couple's arrival at the White House, where Trump and Melania greeted them.

Melania Trump has already been slammed for her outfits with the latest state visit(Image: Getty Images)

During the welcome, observers were quick to identify conduct that many considered improper. Trump allegedly gave Charles an "aggressive handshake" during the greeting. After the video was posted on X, viewers were quick to share their opinions. One user promptly shared an image of Trump touching Queen Camilla's arm, remarking, "This is so disrespectful."

While some viewed the gesture as "fine" and felt "the President was just being helpful," others argued that Trump's conduct could be considered problematic. Several users also pointed out that he placed his hand on King Charles's arm.

One commenter noted, "I do not think you are supposed to touch a King or Queen, but, of course, Trump loves breaking protocol." A third user said, "I noticed that too. Trump also touched Camilla." Another added, "Forget etiquette - Donald has never heard of the word, nor has he heard of respect."