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 attended a magnificent Versailles banquet with a rather surprising guest list during their State Visit to France.
- The King and Queen were guests of honour at a banquet held at the Palace of Versailles on 20th September during their State Visit to France.
- Their Majesties were joined by President Macron, his wife Brigitte and a wide selection of stars that some might find rather surprising.
- This royal news comes as we revealed the huge baby moment Kate and Prince William practised at home before Prince George was even born in order to avoid a mistake in front of the world.
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”.
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.
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.
RRP: £279 ($343.61) |Crepe Off-The-Shoulder Gown Ralph Lauren
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.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
"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 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!
-
Kate Garraway spreads Christmas joy with rainbow checkerboard dress and pink heels
Kate Garraway's patterned jumper dress reminded us that fabulous festive outfits can also be so cosy and comfortable
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Drew Barrymore says she ‘struggled so much’ mentally with perimenopause, revealing her unexpected symptoms
Drew Barrymore has opened up about the mental toll perimenopause has taken on her, explaining the barrage of symptoms she's been hit with since entering this phase.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Queen Camilla's 'sad farewell' to 'much-loved' companion as she shares snapshots of precious memories
Queen Camilla has shared a special post on social media paying tribute as she says goodbye to a beloved 'companion' of hers
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Where do King Charles and Queen Camilla live, do they own Clarence House and how many bedrooms does their sentimental home have?
King Charles has lived at Clarence House since 2003 and although he and Queen Camilla might move one day, it's a very special royal home
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Queen Camilla documentary sheds light on her work to ‘put an end’ to ‘heinous crime’ of domestic abuse and what inspired her vital work
Queen Camilla's work to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence has been showcased in a new ITV documentary
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite hobby that is ‘less than satisfying’ for King Charles
Kate Middleton's favourite hobby is one her father-in-law isn't a fan of and King Charles took up something else after finding it 'impossible'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
King Charles's 'constant battle' with Queen Camilla that he 'usually wins'
King Charles and Queen Camilla have been described by her sister as 'polar opposites' and this apparently leads to a lot of 'banter' at home
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Queen Camilla’s got the right idea when it comes to sweet summer treats and we’re craving her last supper dessert right now
Queen Camilla's last supper dessert sounds decadent and refreshing all in one go and we want a huge bowl of it in this heatwave
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Dame Shirley Bassey just broke protocol in front of King Charles and reacted with an ‘instinctive’ move
Shirley Bassey broke protocol at a prestigious ceremony with King Charles at Windsor Castle though, thankfully, he didn't seem to mind
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne's nickname for King Charles is unusual to say the least but it reflects their 'very close' bond
The Princess Royal has the sweetest nickname for her brother King Charles and has been described by an expert as his 'right-hand woman'
By Emma Shacklock Published