A brief, smiling gesture by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during the recent NATO Summit became an unexpected focal point on social media, leading the royal to directly address the speculation it inspired.
Video footage circulating online captured the Queen raising her hand with a smile during an interaction, a moment some viewers interpreted as a subtle mimicry of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s characteristic gestures. The clip prompted a wave of discussion, with opinions divided on whether it constituted a pointed comment or was entirely innocuous.
In a statement to Dutch media, Queen Máxima offered a clear explanation, dismissing any notion of mockery. She clarified that the gesture was simply a “thank you” directed at an individual off-camera who had provided assistance, emphasizing that her encounter with the former president was entirely respectful and “a pleasant experience.”
The incident highlighted how isolated moments at high-profile international gatherings can be amplified and reinterpreted in the digital sphere. Beyond the viral exchange, the Queen’s attendance was also noted for her sartorial choice—a bold, lime green ensemble—as she engaged with world leaders.
Adding a familial perspective, Princess Catharina-Amalia, the Queen’s 21-year-old daughter, separately remarked that she found meeting the former president to be “very cool,” illustrating a range of personal reactions to the high-level diplomatic event.
Queen Máxima, known for her modern approach to royal duties, once again found herself navigating the intersection of formal diplomacy and the intense scrutiny of the public eye.
