Melania Trump shows fashion diplomacy as she wears Victoria Beckham to visit the Chelsea Pensioners

In the circus surrounding Donald Trump's visit to London, with protesters gathering in Parliament Square and the world's eyes watching his every step, it's easy to lose sight of Melania Trump. Since their arrival yesterday, the President of the United States has caused controversy with comments on Brexit and trade deals, Boris Johnson, and Sadiq Khan.

But even in the face of the headlines - and a six-meter inflatable 'Trump baby', Melania Trump must be calm and unruffled as FLOTUS. By now, Melania has had a lot of practice - perhaps more than any first Lady - at remaining composed no matter the circumstances, and she was just that as she helped school children to make paper poppies this morning on a visit to the Chelsea's Royal Hospital with the PM's husband Philip May, where she met with Chelsea Pensioners.

For the visit, Melania chose a colour-blocked, fit-and-flare dress by Victoria Beckham. Of course, when the stakes are this high, wardrobes are planned to the nth degree - and the choice of a British designer was a diplomatic one. Just as the Duchess of Cambridge wears local designers on official visits abroad, out of respect for her hosts, Melania has followed suit here, and with the Roland Mouret dress she wore on arrival in the capital yesterday.

Victoria Beckham is a savvy choice, since the British designer has shown her catwalk collections in New York in recent years, and her husband David is also famous across the pond, so the brand will resonate in both countries. At a glance, today's outfit followed that tried and tested formula of power-dress and neutral pointed-toe stilettos that The Duchess of Sussex has relied on so heavily since her marriage into the Royal family. Standing against flying British flags, the triangular blocks of colour in her dress echoed the Union Jack.

Melania Trump: Best looks

In the past, Melania's outfit choices have often found her in hot water - a jacket with the slogan 'I really don't care'  worn to visit migrant children; skyscraper stilettos in a hurricane zone. But perhaps Melania and her team have taken the criticism on board, if her recent choices are anything to go by. This afternoon, the Queen will host the POTUS at Windsor Castle - so we can only wait and see.