Presidential Snub - Meghan & Melania's Face-Off!

The palace is forced into damage control

As the royal family rolled out the red carpet for US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania last week, one person was noticeably absent from the schedule of events – the Duchess of Sussex.

Despite nearing the end of her maternity leave, American born Meghan – who has been an outspoken critic of the US leader – stayed firmly at home, refusing to attend even the official state dinner.

With the 37-year-old’s no-show touted as a deliberate snub, Woman’s Day can reveal that palace insiders feared a blow-up between her and

First Lady Melania, who was reportedly left fuming when the new mum refused to accept a baby gift for little Archie.

According to a source, Meghan – who called Trump “divisive” and “misogynistic” during his 2016 presidential campaign – was prepared to go head-to-head with 49-year-old Melania if the opportunity arose.

“Meghan’s met her match with feisty Melania,” says the insider. “No-one would be surprised if she’d confronted Meghan at the palace. She wouldn’t put up with any outrageous antics.”

The source claims Melania sent a gift for Archie as “an olive branch”. But apparently it was made very clear it wasn’t wanted.