Style queen! Melania Trump, 47, upstages fellow first ladies - including France's grumpy-looking Brigitte Macron, 64 - by slipping into a lacy black dress as group joins Brussels' Queen Mathilde at the royal residence

  • The First Lady joined Queen Mathilde and her fellow NATO spouses at the Royal Castle of Laeken on Thursday
  • Later Melania changed into a third outfit for her arrival in Sicily on Air Force One alongside President Trump 
  • Melania and Brigitte, who met while touring the Magritte Museum in Brussels earlier in the day, posed for pictures alongside the royal and the other spouses at the royal residence
  • The two first ladies were joined by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel's partner, Amelie Derbaudrenghien, and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg’s wife, Ingrid Schulerud, among others 
  • As they visited the museum and the castle, President Trump met with France's new president, Emmanuel Macron, ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels  
  • Earlier in the day, Melania paid a visit to the Queen Fabiola Children's Hospital in Brussels on Thursday 
  • She spent time doing arts and crafts with the children, and she also presented them with several gifts, including some Dr. Seuss books and souvenirs from the White House
  • Melania arrived in Brussels on Air Force One with her husband President Trump on Wednesday evening  

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Melania Trump did a quick change before meeting Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the Royal Castle of Laeken on Thursday evening. 

Earlier in the day, the 47-year-old donned a leather skirt suit by Belgian designer Maison Ullens and Manolo Blahnik snakeskin heels to visit to a children's hospital before meeting a group of NATO spouses, including French First Lady Brigitte Macron, to tour the Magritte Museum in Brussels

And while Brigitte, 64, and a few of the other women opted to leave on what they wore to the museum, Melania slipped on an off-the-shoulder, black lace gown and scrappy stiletto sandals before rejoining the rest of the group at the royal residence.

Melania wore an off-the-shoulder, black lace gown to meet Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the Royal Castle of Laeken on Thursday evening after spending the afternoon at the Magritte Museum in Brussels with other NATO spouses

Melania Trump changed into an off-the-shoulder, black lace gown to meet Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the Royal Castle of Laeken on Thursday evening after spending the afternoon at the Magritte Museum in Brussels with other NATO spouses

At the palace, Melania posed for photos with (front row from L to R) First Lady of France Brigitte Macron, First Lady of Turkey Emine Gulbaran Erdogan,  Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Jens Stoltenberg's partner Ingrid Schulerud, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's partner Desislava Radeva, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel's partner Amelie Derbaudrenghien and (back row L to R) First Gentleman of Luxembourg Gauthier Destenay, partner of Slovenia's Prime Minister Cerar's wife Mojca Stropnik and First Lady of Iceland Thora Margret Baldvinsdottir

At the palace, Melania posed for photos with (front row from L to R) First Lady of France Brigitte Macron, First Lady of Turkey Emine Gulbaran Erdogan, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Jens Stoltenberg's partner Ingrid Schulerud, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's partner Desislava Radeva, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel's partner Amelie Derbaudrenghien and (back row L to R) First Gentleman of Luxembourg Gauthier Destenay, partner of Slovenia's Prime Minister Cerar's wife Mojca Stropnik and First Lady of Iceland Thora Margret Baldvinsdottir

French First Lady Brigitte Macron donned the same Louis Vuitton frock she wore visit Magritte Museum in Brussels earlier in the day. However, Melania slipped out of her leather suit and changed into a lace dress before reuniting with the group
French First Lady Brigitte Macron donned the same Louis Vuitton frock she wore visit Magritte Museum in Brussels earlier in the day. However, Melania slipped out of her leather suit and changed into a lace dress before reuniting with the group

French First Lady Brigitte Macron donned the same Louis Vuitton frock she wore visit Magritte Museum in Brussels earlier in the day. However, Melania slipped out of her leather suit and changed into a lace dress before reuniting with the group

A glamorous-looking Melania posed next to Emine Erdogan, the devoutly Muslim wife of Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, a NATO member

A glamorous-looking Melania posed next to Emine Erdogan, the devoutly Muslim wife of Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, a NATO member

Melania smiled while posing next to Queen Mathilde as Gauthier Desteney, the husband of Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, who spent the day with the group of spouses, stood behind them 

Melania smiled while posing next to Queen Mathilde as Gauthier Desteney, the husband of Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, who spent the day with the group of spouses, stood behind them 

 Melania wore a diamond eternity band on her right hand during the evening trip to the castle

 Melania wore a diamond eternity band on her right hand during the evening trip to the castle

Melania was all smiles she posed for pictures with group at the castle, which located near Brussels. However, she wasn't the only one to change her outfit. 

Ingrid Schulerud, whose husband is Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, traded her black dress and cardigan from earlier in the day for an electric blue dress. 

During their visit to the castle, the group was given a tour of by Queen Mathilde, who was pictured escorting them around a lush-looking garden, walking alongside Melania and Ingrid. 

But Melania certainly wasn't finished wowing the crowds with her sartorial prowess; later in the day, the First Lady changed into a third ensemble, just in time for her arrival in Sicily alongside her husband President Trump. 

Melania was pictured disembarking Air Force One, hand in hand with Trump, while wearing a short black dress, complete with thick straps. 

Her hair remained in perfectly-coiffed waves around her shoulders, while her smokey eye make-up from earlier in the day was also still very much in place - no doubt having been touched up once or twice after a lengthy day of activities.   

Melania, Queen Mathilde, and Ingrid Schulerud are pictured arriving before posing for photos together 

Melania, Queen Mathilde, and Ingrid Schulerud are pictured arriving before posing for photos together 

Emine, and Melania walked together after posing for photographers during the spouse and partner program at the Royal Castle of Laeken

Emine, and Melania walked together after posing for photographers during the spouse and partner program at the Royal Castle of Laeken

The Queen was pictured giving the spouses a tour of the castle grounds, with Melania showing off her lacy frock while striding alongside the royal and Jens Stoltenberg's partner Ingrid

The Queen was pictured giving the spouses a tour of the castle grounds, with Melania showing off her lacy frock while striding alongside the royal and Jens Stoltenberg's partner Ingrid

Melania struck a pose with France's new first lady at the museum earlier in the day 

Melania struck a pose with France's new first lady at the museum earlier in the day 

Brigitte was the epitome of French chic in a $2,960 Louis Vuitton mini-dress that had a low-waisted belt featuring a jewel clasp with a signature gold V motif

Brigitte was the epitome of French chic in a $2,960 Louis Vuitton mini-dress that had a low-waisted belt featuring a jewel clasp with a signature gold V motif

Another change! Melania put on a third outfit - another black dress - for her arrival in Sicily on Air Force One alongside her husband President Trump
Another change! Melania put on a third outfit - another black dress - for her arrival in Sicily on Air Force One alongside her husband President Trump

Another change! Melania put on a third outfit - another black dress - for her arrival in Sicily on Air Force One alongside her husband President Trump

The pair were seen clasping hands as they disembarked the aircraft, making their way down the stairs onto the runway

The pair were seen clasping hands as they disembarked the aircraft, making their way down the stairs onto the runway

Both Melania and Trump paused at the top of the steps to wave to the waiting photographers

Both Melania and Trump paused at the top of the steps to wave to the waiting photographers

Before heading to the palace and then flying to Sicily, Melania and fellow first lady Brigitte enjoyed a private tour of the Magritte Museum, which is devoted to the works of Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte; also there was Emine Erdogan, the devoutly Muslim wife of Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey. 

The three were joined by other NATO spouses, including Gauthier Destenay, who is married to Luxembourg's gay prime minister; and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel's partner, Amelie Derbaudrenghien.

Famed for works like the 1964 'self-portrait' of a bowler-hatted man whose face is hidden by an apple or the image of a pipe subtitled 'Ceci n'est pas une pipe' (This is not a Pipe), Magritte has much to teach the world about questioning outward appearances, and about self-effacement, Belgian organizers said.

'You never know,' museum director Michel Draguet said ahead of the first lady's visit. 'Maybe Donald Trump will move from one kind of surrealism to another, thanks to Magritte's ideas.'

Earlier in the day, Melania visited the Queen Fabiolo Children's Hospital in Brussels, where she spent time doing arts and crafts with the young patients. 

The pair seemed to be enjoying a very friendly chat, while Gauthier Destenay, the husband of Luxembourg's prime minister, Xavier Bettel, watched on 

The pair seemed to be enjoying a very friendly chat, while Gauthier Destenay, the husband of Luxembourg's prime minister, Xavier Bettel, watched on 

The two were joined by the spouses of other national leaders who attended Thursday's NATO summit 

The two were joined by the spouses of other national leaders who attended Thursday's NATO summit 

Emine Erdogan, the first lady of Turkey, a NATO member, posed with Melania in front of a painting at the museum, which is devoted to the works of Belgian painter René Magritte

Emine Erdogan, the first lady of Turkey, a NATO member, posed with Melania in front of a painting at the museum, which is devoted to the works of Belgian painter René Magritte

Melania looked elegant in a tan skirt suit and Manolo Blahnik snakeskin heels, the same outfit she wore to visit a children's hospital during the day
Melania looked elegant in a tan skirt suit and Manolo Blahnik snakeskin heels, the same outfit she wore to visit a children's hospital during the day

Melania looked elegant in a tan skirt suit and Manolo Blahnik snakeskin heels, the same outfit she wore to visit a children's hospital during the day

The first lady wore minimal jewelry during the visit aside from her diamond eternity band

The first lady wore minimal jewelry during the visit aside from her diamond eternity band

The 47-year-old was all smiles as she took selfies with the children while presenting them with several gifts, including Dr. Seuss books and souvenirs from the White House.

Melania was presented a bouquet of paper flowers during her visit, and she happily gave one to each child before posing for photos with them.

For the visit, Melania was the picture of elegance in a leather suit, but her outfit didn't stop her from joining the children in an arts and craft project.

Melania was photographed sitting down with the patients to make paper flowers together, and she carefully constructed a red flower for herself using tissue paper and a wooden skewer.

The first lady was completely focused on the children, and she was photographed squatting down and putting her arm around their backs as she spoke to them. 

Gauthier Destenay, the husband of Luxembourg's prime minister, Xavier Bettel, also posed alongside the group of women for a photo

Gauthier Destenay, the husband of Luxembourg's prime minister, Xavier Bettel, also posed alongside the group of women for a photo

Melania wore her golden brown hair down in loose waves around her shoulder for the trip

Melania wore her golden brown hair down in loose waves around her shoulder for the trip 

Melania gave a wide smile as she posed in front of one of the paintings hanging in the museum 

Melania gave a wide smile as she posed in front of one of the paintings hanging in the museum 

After their visit to the museum, the spouses of the world leaders will visit the Delvaux luxury handbag shop, which is said to be the oldest in the world

After their visit to the museum, the spouses of the world leaders will visit the Delvaux luxury handbag shop, which is said to be the oldest in the world

As they toured the museum, President Trump met with France's new president, Emmanuel Macron, ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels

As they toured the museum, President Trump met with France's new president, Emmanuel Macron, ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels

 Melania had a small smile on her face as she arrived at the museum on Thursday afternoon 

 Melania had a small smile on her face as she arrived at the museum on Thursday afternoon 

Melania shook hands with Michel Draguet, director general of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium upon her arrival

Melania shook hands with Michel Draguet, director general of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium upon her arrival

Amelie and Melania both turned around and posed for a photo before heading into the museum for their tour

Amelie and Melania both turned around and posed for a photo before heading into the museum for their tour

As they toured the museum, President Trump met with France's new president, Emmanuel Macron, ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels. 

At their first meeting, the two men locked hands for so long that knuckles started turning white.

Trump finally seemed ready to pull away - but Macron evidently wasn't. The French leader held the shake for a few seconds more. Both men's jaws seemed to clench. 

Macron won France's election this month by positioning himself as the anti-Trump, embracing globalization and open borders and quoting philosophers.

But as a 39-year-old who has never held elected office, Macron clearly was excited about the appearance with the U.S. president, which cemented his status as a new global player - and as a formidable hand-shaker.  

Earlier in the day, Melania visted the Queen Fabiolo Children's Hospital in Brussels, where she happily snapped selfies with the patients

Earlier in the day, Melania visted the Queen Fabiolo Children's Hospital in Brussels, where she happily snapped selfies with the patients

The first lady and the children made a bouquet of paper flowers during her visit, which she happily passed around to the patients on Thursday

The first lady and the children made a bouquet of paper flowers during her visit, which she happily passed around to the patients on Thursday

Melania, 47, warmly embraced the patients during the trip, which was her second visit to a children's hospital in as many days

Melania, 47, warmly embraced the patients during the trip, which was her second visit to a children's hospital in as many days

After passing the paper flowers around, Melania posed for photos with the children she had met 

After passing the paper flowers around, Melania posed for photos with the children she had met 

Melania's sharp leather suit was custom-made by Belgian designer Maison Ullens

Melania's sharp leather suit was custom-made by Belgian designer Maison Ullens

On Wednesday morning, Melania visited the Vatican's children's hospital during her trip to Italy with her husband, President Donald Trump, where she was also pictured snapping selfies with the patients

Yesterday, Melania visited the Vatican's children's hospital during her trip to Italy with her husband, President Donald Trump, where she was also pictured snapping selfies with the patients

Melania is pictured taking a photo with a little girl named Chelsea Claire, one of the patients she met on Thursday 

Melania is pictured taking a photo with a little girl named Chelsea Claire, one of the patients she met on Thursday 

Melania warmly placed her arm around a little girl's waist while squatting down to speak with her 

Melania warmly placed her arm around a little girl's waist while squatting down to speak with her 

The first lady was the picture of elegance in a tan skirt suit, which was belted at the waist 

The first lady was the picture of elegance in a tan skirt suit, which was belted at the waist 

Melania presented them the children several gifts, including some souvenirs from the White House

Melania presented them the children several gifts, including some souvenirs from the White House

She took to Twitter after the trip to speak about her wonderful experience visiting the hospital. 

'Thank u to Queen Fabiola University Hospital! Enjoyed creating paper flowers with amazing patients & getting a tour. #Brussels #Belgium,' she tweeted. 

The first lady arrived in Brussels on Air Force One with her husband President Trump on Wednesday evening, stepping off the aircraft in a navy and blue gingham gingham coat.  

Brussels is the fourth stop on the couple's first international trip as president and first lady, and they were immediately greeted by Prime Minister Charles Michel and his partner Amélie when they deplaned.

Trump and Melania then headed straight to a meeting with King Philippe of Belgium and his wife, Queen Mathilde.

They were pictured with the couple at the Royal Palace in Brussels; while Melania looked smart in her suit, Queen Mathilde opted for a pale pink dress, which featured a lace overlay. 

Melania's trip to Queen Fabiola Children's Hospital is her second children's hospital visit in as many days; on Wednesday the first lady visited the Vatican's children's hospital, meeting with patients, painting pictures with them and once again taking selfies with several patients who were eager to capture the moment. 

Melania spent time visiting with a group of young patients at the Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus) pediatric hospital after she and President Trump met with Pope Francis earlier at the Vatican.

She also toured the hospital's cardiac intensive unit, as well as the recreation room, where she painted with children from nine different countries, pausing to snap a series of selfies with them.  

She ended the visit by praying in the hospital chapel, while also pausing in front of a Madonna statue located outside of the hospital for a quiet moment of reflection. 

In addition to the White House souvenirs, Melania also gave the kids a stack of books by Dr. Seuss

In addition to the White House souvenirs, Melania also gave the kids a stack of books by Dr. Seuss

During her visit, Melania sat down and made paper flowers with the children and hospital staffers 

During her visit, Melania sat down and made paper flowers with the children and hospital staffers 

Melania left her golden hair down and wore minimal jewelry for her visit aside from her engagement ring and a diamond band

Melania left her golden hair down and wore minimal jewelry for her visit aside from her engagement ring and a diamond band

Melania looked like she truly enjoyed her time chatting with the children and taking part in the arts and crafts project

Melania looked like she truly enjoyed her time chatting with the children and taking part in the arts and crafts project

Melania chose to construct a red flower using tissue paper and a wooden skewer while at the hospital
Melania chose to construct a red flower using tissue paper and a wooden skewer while at the hospital

Melania chose to construct a red flower using tissue paper and a wooden skewer while at the hospital 

Melania listened intently as she sat at the table with the children who showed her how to make the paper flowers 

Melania listened intently as she sat at the table with the children who showed her how to make the paper flowers 

Melania carefully moved her hair out of her face, offering a glimpse at her large diamond ring

Melania carefully moved her hair out of her face, offering a glimpse at her large diamond engagement ring 

Melania also appeared to cross herself while standing in front of the statue; the first lady grew up in the predominantly Catholic country of Slovenia, and she is a practicing Roman Catholic. 

Her spokeswoman Stephanie Grishma confirmed that to DailyMail.com on Wednesday, hours after Pope Francis blessed a rosary for her at the Vatican.   

However, Melania married her Presbyterian-born husband in an Episcopal church, and she has since attended several services with Trump. The couple is also sending their son Barron to an Episcopal school in Washington, D.C. 

Having appeared relatively somber and straight-faced during her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day, Melania looked much more relaxed and happy as she sat down with the group of children at the hospital, some of whom presented her with artwork that they had made especially for her visit. 

One piece, which the first lady happily held up for the cameras with a smile read: 'Welcome in Italia! Hy Milania! I want talk for you!' 

The multicolored creation also featured several hearts drawn in blue and pink.

Melania looked totally at ease while sitting down and chatting with the young patients, at one point pausing to snap some selfies with them, and also offering one young child a kiss on the cheek and a hug.  

She also beamed with joy as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by hospital staff, looking delighted with the token of appreciation offered to her during her visit. 

Before leaving, Melania penned a brief note in the guest book, writing: 'Great visiting you. Stay strong and positive. Much love, Melania Trump.' 

With a red pen, she also drew a small flower and heart. 

The first lady wore the same demure black dress design she had donned for her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day; however, she removed the veil she had added to the outfit out of respect for Vatican tradition.  

'My visit to Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital today was very moving. To spend time speaking to and coloring with children who have such a positive spirit despite illness was an amazing gift,' Melania said in a statement. 

Melania was very affectionate with the children, putting her arm around them while they spoke or offering them a hug
Melania was very affectionate with the children, putting her arm around them while they spoke or offering them a hug

Melania was very affectionate with the children, putting her arm around them while they spoke or offering them a hug

Melania stood in the center of the group, holding her bouquet of paper flowers, while posing for a picture 

Melania stood in the center of the group, holding her bouquet of paper flowers, while posing for a picture 

At the end of her visit, Melania looked deep in thought as she signed a message in the hospital's guide book 

At the end of her visit, Melania looked deep in thought as she signed a message in the hospital's guide book 

Melania and President Trump arrived in Brussels on Air Force One on Wednesday evening after spending the day at the Vatican in Italy 

Melania and President Trump arrived in Brussels on Air Force One on Wednesday evening after spending the day at the Vatican in Italy 

The couple headed straight to a meeting with King Philippe of Belgium (center right) and his wife Queen Mathilde (far left) at the Royal Palace of Brussels on Wednesday evening 

The couple headed straight to a meeting with King Philippe of Belgium (center right) and his wife Queen Mathilde (far left) at the Royal Palace of Brussels on Wednesday evening 

'The time I spent with the little ones in the Intensive Care Unit is something I will never forget, and I will pray for each of them daily. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the hospital, who all do such beautiful and critical work.'

The first lady added: 'Upon landing in Belgium, I learned a young boy and his family who had been waiting for a heart transplant was informed that the hospital has found a donor. 

'I read a book and held hands with this special little one just a few hours ago, and now my own heart is filled with joy over this news.' 

Grisham said the visit had been 'very emotional' for Melania who had spoken Italian with the children.

The first lady, who speaks several other languages besides English and her native Slovenian including German, French, Italian and Serbo-Croatian, had personally written to the Pope personally ahead of her arrival in Rome to request a visit to the hospital.

'She spoke to them in Italian, she signed bandages and she took lots of selfies,' Grisham added.

She had then met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, before going to Bambin Gesù, where she told him that she was looking forward to going to the hospital 'for the bambinos.' She later called the visit 'very moving.' 

Melania, her stepdaughter Ivanka Trump, and Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner traveled to the Vatican with President Trump on Wednesday.  

Melania and Ivanka wore the same all-black dresses for the meeting, and they kept with tradition and wore veils to meet Francis. The veil, or mantilla, is traditionally worn by women as a sign of respect when meeting the Pope. Trump senior aide Hope Hicks wore one as well.

 

 

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