They might come from vastly different backgrounds, one a Slovenian model-turned-First Lady, the other a British aristocrat-turned-Queen—but Melania Trump and Queen Camilla share a surprisingly similar journey.
For starters, both women married men destined to hold the highest office in their respective countries. And coincidentally, both tied the knot in 2005.
Melania is Donald Trump’s third wife. Camilla, the second to King Charles III. Both relationships weathered their share of controversy.
Camilla’s path to the throne was anything but traditional. Her longtime relationship with Charles famously overlapped with his first marriage to Princess Diana, whose tragic death in 1997 shocked the world. Though Charles and Diana officially divorced in 1996, many viewed Camilla as the shadow in the royal love triangle.
It wasn’t until 2000 that Queen Elizabeth acknowledged Camilla publicly, and five years later, the couple wed in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall.
At the time, there was public confusion over what title Camilla would assume when Charles became King. Clarence House initially stated she would not be Queen, but that information has since disappeared from official platforms.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Melania met Donald Trump in 1998, shortly after he separated from his second wife, Marla Maples. They got engaged in 2004 and married a year later in a lavish Palm Beach affair. Together, they share a son, Barron, whom Melania has fiercely protected from public life.
It’s ok for Prince Andrew to be seen along King Charles, Camilla, the royal family bcos Andrew is under Charles’ financial control. But a financially independent Prince Harry and Meghan are to be ashamed of, be ostracized. For financial freedom shows no need for taxpayers funds. pic.twitter.com/2dtrZi14ql
— Carmella (@Sussex5525) April 21, 2025
Trump’s romantic history has drawn parallels to Charles’. His first marriage to Ivana Trump lasted 15 years and had three children, echoing Charles’ marriage span with Diana. His second marriage to Maples, which resulted in daughter Tiffany, lasted only six years.
But the real comparison between Melania and Camilla goes beyond their marriages, it’s about how each has a part in her public role.
Melania launched her “Be Best” campaign as First Lady, focusing on children’s welfare, cyberbullying, and the opioid crisis. She also championed the International Women of Courage Awards at the State Department, celebrating global women leaders.
Camilla, meanwhile, became a vocal advocate for domestic abuse survivors. Very much affected by stories from friends and women she’s met through her patronages, she embraced the cause with urgency, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when victims were trapped at home with their abusers.
In a public message, Camilla wrote:
“After six months of lockdown, it is clear that Covid is not the only pernicious disease that has been attacking our society.”
She went on to tell survivors they are “not alone” and urged communities to stand by them, amplifying support services and awareness.
President Trump praised first lady Melania Trump as the best mother he has ever seen during a White House event with military mothers. https://t.co/vs3l7QdP9m pic.twitter.com/X5aByov61z
— The National Desk (@TND) May 9, 2025
Despite different cultural backgrounds, Melania and Camilla’s experiences share a core thread: they’ve been through public life beside controversial men, while quietly pursuing personal causes, shaped by their own evolving identities.
Scroll below to find a few glimpses from the lives of the two women, very different yet somehow same.
