King Charles and Queen Camilla attend magnificent Versailles banquet with a rather surprising guest list

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a Versailles banquet during their State Visit and they were joined by quite a surprising mix of stars

King Charles and Queen Camilla attend Versailles banquet during State Visit
(Image credit: Photo by Chesnot/WireImage via Getty)

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a magnificent Versailles banquet with a rather surprising guest list during their State Visit to France. 


Six months after their first State Visit to France as King and Queen Consort was postponed amid widespread strikes, King Charles and Queen Camilla were welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Lady Brigitte Macron in Paris. That night Queen Camilla’s bubblegum pink outfit was swapped for a super dramatic Dior evening gown as the royal couple stepped out at the Palace of Versailles. This awe-inspiring building was the venue of choice for a spectacular black tie state dinner and according to The Telegraph, the Élysée drew up the guest list to reflect the France-UK relationship and “notable national achievements”.

Charlotte Gainsbourg, Mick Jagger and Hugh Grant at Versailles

(Image credit: Future//Image 1:Photo by Christian Liewig - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images //Image 2: Photo by Christian Liewig - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images//Image 3:Photo by Christian Liewig - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Some fans might well have been surprised by the array of stars who arrived at the Palace to dine with Their Majesties, President Macron and his wife on 20th September. The guest list ranged from famous French chef Raymond Blanc to Sex Education star Emma Mackey, actor Charlotte Gainsbourg and Hugh Grant. 

Other stars who enjoyed the banquet were The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, footballer Didier Drogba, novelist Ken Follet and former manager of Arsenal football club, Arsène Wenger. King Charles had previously met Mick before when he awarded him his knighthood back in 2003. 

Emma Mackey, Didier Dogba and Ken Follett at Versailles

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The King and Queen reportedly enjoyed a pre-dinner concert played by the Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich and then sat down in Versailles’ legendary Hall of Mirrors to eat. Whilst Queen Camilla’s favourite “fuss-free” meal is so unroyal, their dinner at the Palace was anything but. 

According to reports the banquet menu was kicked off with a potted crab and blue lobster starter followed by poached Bresse chicken marinated in champagne. The royals and their fellow guests also apparently enjoyed a delicious-sounding dessert featuring everything from raspberry sorbet to a disc of macaroon and then a cheese course which supposedly included comté, chèvre and Stichelton cheeses.

Queen Camilla and King Charles III are welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron prior to a state dinner

(Image credit: Photo by Christian Liewig - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
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If you loved the classic elegance of Queen Camilla's Dior dress then this stunning gown is a similarly minimalistic style. It features a gorgeous neckline and the navy tone is perfect for any autumn/winter parties or weddings you've got coming up. 

The far-ranging guest list for this Versailles banquet and the focus on celebrating Anglo-French relations was something that was then echoed in King Charles’ speech at the event. Delivered in English and French, he reflected on his late mother Queen Elizabeth’s time in France when she was pregnant with him.

"My parents' first official visit together was to France in 1948, shortly after their wedding," he declared. "By all accounts, they made quite a splash, dancing till the early hours at the glamourous Chez Carrere in the Rue Pierre Charron, serenaded by Edith Piaf. I suspect it may have left an indelible impression on me, even six months before I was born - La Vie en Rose is one of my favourite songs to this day!"

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!