Melania Trump meets children at a Salvation Army centre in London

First Lady Melania Trump’s maternal nature was clear to see as she met schoolchildren in London today. 

Mrs Trump, 49, couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she spent time with local pupils during a visit to the Salvation Army Clapton Centre in Clapton, north London, this morning.

The First Lady, who is in the UK for the NATO summit, beamed as she settled in to make Christmas decorations and wrap presents with the excited youngsters. 

Mrs Trump helped wrap the Christmas presents during the outing to the Salvation Army Clapton Centre in London. She was joined on the trip by the wife of the US Ambassador

Mrs Trump, 49, couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she spent time with local pupils, left. One young boy looked star-struck (right) as she breezed past him on her way into the room

The First Lady beamed as she settled in to make Christmas decorations and wrap presents with the excited youngsters. Mrs Trump attended the engagement without the President

Mrs Trump appeared to particularly enjoy filling festive stockings with Christmas presents. US Marines stationed at the Embassy in London were on hand to join in on the festive fun

Melania made one little boy’s day when she shook his hand before taking her place front and centre for a group shot

Mrs Trump flashed her camera-ready smile – but the schoolchildren were more interested in their special guest 

In one sweet moment, Mrs Trump touched a young girl’s Santa hat as she sat down next to her. 

Another touching snap captures a boy open-mouthed in amazement as the First Lady breezed past him on her way into the room. 

Mrs Trump attended the engagement without the President, who is at the NATO summit in Watford. She was accompanied instead by Suzanne Johnson, the wife of the US Ambassador. 

In one sweet moment, Mrs Trump touched a young girl’s Santa hat as she sat down next to her

The First Lady appeared delighted to be spending time with local pupils at the centre

The First Lady chatted with one schoolgirl as they made a wreath together during the session

Thoughtful Mrs Trump made sure this schoolgirl was comfortable before the group photo

Typically elegant, Melania wrapped up in a black and white houndstooth coat, believed to be by Alexander McQueen. 

She kept the coat on throughout the engagement but brief glimpses suggest she wore it over a black high-neck knit dress. 

Despite the chilly winter temperatures, Melania wore the coat with towering black stilettos. She wore her hair in a perfectly coiffed style and chose a bold, dark eye make-up look. 

Piles of presents were put on display ready for Melania to wrap during the visit today

The First Lady chatted to a Marine, who is stationed at the US Embassy, during the visit

Mrs Trump helped spread the festive cheer and wrapped presents for the Salvation Army

The First Lady was snapped wrapping up Christmas presents during the outing today

The First Lady was on hand to take part in a crafts session in which she made festive wreaths and helped wrap Christmas presents to be donated to the Salvation Army. 

She was also treated to a festive musical performance by the schoolchildren. 

Last night Melania joined her husband President Trump for a NATO reception at Buckingham Palace. 

The glamorous First Lady pulled out all the fashion stops for the high profile evening, wearing a yellow £4,700 Valentino coat to keep the British cold at bay.

Not afraid to take a style risk, Mrs Trump accessorised the statement piece with a pair of stilettos in a bold shade of fuchsia. 

The President and First Lady were welcomed to the palace by the Queen, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.