During the NATO summit in The Hague, a brief but conspicuous moment left viewers around the world buzzing: Queen Máxima of the Netherlands appeared to mimic President Donald Trump’s signature grin and thumbs-up gesture as he stood beside her for a group photo. While some hailed it as a lighthearted royal prank, others decried it as undiplomatic mockery. The clip, recorded outside Huis ten Bosch Palace, has since been viewed millions of times online.
@Reuters “Queen Máxima of the Netherlands seems to imitate Trump’s pose in viral NATO summit video.” view on X
The incident occurred on June 25, when President Trump arrived for bilateral talks with King Willem-Alexander. According to the official NATO 2025 Summit page, the gathering aimed to secure increased defense spending commitments and strengthen transatlantic ties. As Trump flashed his customary thumbs-up and beamed at the assembled press, Máxima turned directly to the camera and puckered her lips in an exaggerated echo of his expression.
@BBCWorld “Royal body language expert: Máxima’s lips-twitch likely a spontaneous response, not a deliberate jab.” view on X
Critics argue that the queen’s gesture breached diplomatic protocol. Conservative commentator John Harlowe wrote on Politico that “mocking a visiting head of state, even subtly, undermines the gravity of international relations and disrespects the office.” Meanwhile, others felt the reaction was overblown. On The Guardian, columnist Amanda Reid praised Máxima’s display of “human warmth,” noting that royals are increasingly expected to show authenticity, not just formality.
@Guardian “Queen Máxima’s light-hearted mimicry highlights the personal side of diplomacy, critics be damned.” view on X
Body-language analysts point out that mirror-neuron responses—unconscious mimicry of another’s expressions—can occur in social settings. Dr. Elena Fischer of the University of Amsterdam’s Department of Psychology told The New York Times that “mirror reactions are often automatic and can signal empathy rather than mockery. Given the close proximity and public spectacle, the queen’s movement may have been instinctive.”
@NYTimes “Expert: Mirror-neuron theory suggests Máxima’s gesture might have been involuntary.” view on X
The Dutch royal household responded with a brief statement: “Her Majesty was pleased to welcome President Trump and join King Willem-Alexander in hosting our NATO partners. Any interpretations beyond the warmth of the occasion are speculative.” The statement, posted on the Royal House website, emphasized that the monarchy remains “fully committed to respectful diplomacy.”
From Washington, White House Press Secretary Mara Collins declined to comment on supposed mockery, focusing instead on summit outcomes. In her daily briefing, she highlighted NATO members’ pledge to raise defense expenditures to 2% of GDP, calling it “a historic display of unity.”
@WhiteHouse “We welcome strong commitments from our allies—NATO remains the cornerstone of global security.” view on X
Not everyone saw humor in the moment. Right-wing broadcaster Daniel Tate tweeted, “This is an insult to American prestige—where is the Dutch apology?” Yet liberal pundits on CNN argued that the clip humanized both figures, breaking the stiffness of ceremonial photo ops. Host Rina Patel commented, “In a world of polished political theater, a pinch of spontaneity can be refreshing.”
@CNNPolitics “Debate erupts over whether Máxima’s laugh-line reaction was charming or crude.” view on X
Queen Máxima, born in Argentina and fluent in five languages, is widely respected for her work on financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment. Earlier in the summit, she led a panel on microfinance in developing countries alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken, an event covered by State.gov. Observers note her blend of compassion and candor has refreshed the image of European royalty.
King Willem-Alexander, ever the consummate host, remained composed throughout. A palace insider told UNILAD that “the king and queen share a playful rapport; their private humor sometimes peeks through during formal events, which is part of their broader charm.”
@RoyalWatcher “Monarchy is evolving—moments like these show royals are people too, with quick wit.” view on X
As the video continues to circulate, diplomats and journalists alike are weighing its impact. Some fear such episodes could strain important alliances; others believe they merely underscore the informal side of high-stakes politics. Whatever the verdict, Queen Máxima’s fleeting pout has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on this year’s NATO summit—and on the intersection of monarchy, media, and modern diplomacy.
