On X, fans didn’t hold back. One user simply asked: “What is Melania wearing?” while another joked: “Good of Melania to wear a well-known British designer, DFS!” comparing the outfit to a leather sofa.

Others said the look felt more suited to a fashion editorial than the halls of Windsor Castle, with its rich historic interiors and ceremonial atmosphere.

“Does Melania know where she is, I have not liked one outfit,” penned another. While others praised the look and claimed, “Whatever Melania wears she nails, I love the skirt and jacket combo’s.”

By contrast, Queen Camilla offered a lesson in understated regality. She wore a white crepe coatdress by Fiona Clare, one of her most trusted designers, detailed with thin navy piping to elongate the silhouette.

King Charles's wife completed her look with a three-strand pearl necklace and a silver pendant, adding a splash of colour and heritage symbolism to the otherwise pared-back palette.

The juxtaposition between the two women’s styles highlighted their very different approaches to dressing: Melania leaning into bold, high-fashion statements, and Camilla reinforcing her reputation for timeless, reliable ensembles.

While the online commentary may not have favoured Melania this time, her outfit ensured she remained one of the day’s most talked-about figures, much like her look last night.

Melania lit up Windsor Castle choosing a floor-length canary yellow gown that stood out among the more traditional jewel tones and metallics favoured by other guests, like the Princess of Wales.

The dress featured a fitted bodice, flowing skirt and sheer cape-style sleeves that added drama and movement as she walked. With its bright, optimistic hue and statuesque silhouette, the gown contrasted sharply against the darker palette of the evening, cementing her reputation for high-impact, fashion-forward statements.