It was another festive feast for French President, who tonight attended a banquet hosted by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alastair King.
The opulent celebrations in Guildhall were attended by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who warmly greeted Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.
It was a stunning spread for the politician, who is enjoying a three-day state visit to the UK – and comes on the heels of yet another ornate dinner at Windsor Castle yesterday, attended by the King, Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales, among other royals.
On Wednesday, the European guests looked to be in high spirits as they posed for photos with VIP attendees, including Mayoress of the City of London, Florence King.
The French First Lady, 72, for the occasion, opted for a sleek black gown with statement silver shoulder detailing, whereas her husband, 47, was dapper in a tuxedo.
Prince Richard, 80, looked sophisticated in a white tie ensemble, while his wife, the Duchess, 79, opted for an ivory frock adorned with a tiara and jewellery.
It’s been a busy trip for the Macrons, who have met a myriad of A-listers while in England.
On Tuesday, the guest list also included stars such as Sir Elton John, accompanied by his husband David Furnish, Sir Mick Jagger, actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, footballer Mary Earps, singer Mika and television’s Fred Sirieix.
It was another festive feast for French President, who tonight attended a banquet hosted by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alastair King. Pictured left to right: The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Brigitte Macron, Lord Mayor of the City of London Alastair King, President of France Emmanuel Macron and Lady Mayoress of the City of London Florence King
The opulent celebrations in Guildhall were attended by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who warmly greeted Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte
On Wednesday, the European guests looked to be in high spirits as they posed for photos with VIP attendees, including Mayoress of the City of London, Florence King
Other members of The Firm came out in full force, with the Princess Royal, 74, arriving alongside Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, 70, looking elegant as ever in a white dress adorned with lace, and teamed with matching evening gloves.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were also pictured at the banquet. Sophie, 60, was sophisticated in a structured ivory frock as she walked with her husband Prince Edward, 60.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla herself wore an ivory silk and crepe embroidered evening gown by Fiona Clare, and a sapphire and diamond tiara with matching necklace, earrings – adorned with a bracelet from Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire suite. Her Majesty was also wearing the Legion d’Honeur French sash, the Garter Star and His Majesty The King’s family order.
In a charming speech, peppered with French, King Charles referenced how Windsor Castle had been built by ‘my ancestor – and your sometime countryman – William, Duke of Normandy’, with a tactful reference to the fact that he had just taken over the country by conquest.
He went on to describe France as one of the UK’s ‘strongest allies’ facing a ‘a multitude of…complex threats, emanating from multiple directions’ together.
‘These challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time,’ said in a reference to the castle.
‘Instead the answer lies in partnership, and we – France and Britain – must help to lead the way.‘
He even referred to the fact that as neighbours Britain and France ‘have our differences’ but stressed many years of co-operation, concluding: ‘Allow me to propose a toast to France and to our new Entente. An Entente not only past and present, but for the future – and no longer just cordiale, but now amicable’.
Pictured, the Lord Mayor of the City of London chatting with French President Emmanuel Macron for the evening
The French First Lady, 72, for the occasion, opted for a sleek black gown with statement silver shoulder detailing, whereas her husband, 47, was dapper in a tuxedo
It been a busy trip for the Macrons, who have met a myriad of A-listers while in England. Pictured on Wednesday
Prince Richard, 80, looked sophisticated in a white tie ensemble, while his wife, the Duchess (left), 79, opted for an ivory frock adorned with a tiara and jewellery
President Macron was dapper in a tuxedo as he attended the banquet at Guildhall, in London, on Wednesday
President Macron also paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth.
And last night, Windsor Castle’s historic St George’s Hall was a feast for the eyes, as well as the tastebuds.
Instead of the usual white tablecloth and horseshoe-shaped arrangement that features at Buckingham Palace, a highly polished table ran the length of the room, beautifully reflecting the candlelight, and had been lavished with hand-picked seasonal flowers and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
They will be distributed by one of Queen Camilla’s charities, Floral Angels, to hospices, care homes and domestic abuse shelters afterwards.
Staff said the table had taken six days to set up and perfect. ‘This is the best of British here under one roof,’ said one.
President Macron was seated between the King and the Princess of Wales, while he wife, has the Queen and Prince of Wales either side. Sir Elton was seated next to the Duchess of Gloucester, while other royals present included Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
In the spirit of the Entente Cordial, the Royal Household has collaborated with Chef Raymond Blanc OBE, an Ambassador for The King’s Foundation, to create a First Course and Dessert for the menu tonight.
Guests dined on a selection of pre-dinner canapes, Assiette de Légumes d’Été, Vinaigrette de Tomates Crues, Huile d’Olive Vierge, and a selection of tender summer vegetables from the gardens of Le Manoir with sage, raw tomato and Extra Virgin Olive Oil dressing.
In a charming speech, peppered with French, King Charles referenced how Windsor Castle had been built by ‘my ancestor – and your sometime countryman – William, Duke of Normandy’, with a tactful reference to the fact that he had just taken over the country by conquest
Pictured: Queen Camilla and King Charles with France’s President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte arriving for the State Banquet
The banquet for France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at Windsor Castle on Tuesday
The Prince and Princess of Wales pictured in attendance at Tuesday evening’s state banquet at Windsor
Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick, pictured, made a very glamorous appearance at the state banquet
Mary and Keir were pictured enjoying a chat, as other attendees at the event mingled, at Windsor Castle
Meanwhile, Elton donned a pair of shades for the evening as he was seated next to his husband David
King Charles appeared to giggle as he sipped on his drink. Both he and President Macron delivered speeches
Macron toasted Princess Kate, who he was seated next to for the evening’s state banquet in Windsor
The King beamed as he toasted Macron at the state banquet, hosted at Windsor Castle
Both Macron, and King Charles, in their speeches called for unity as they addressed their nations’ decades of friendship
King Charles was all smiles as he chatted with President Macron at the state banquet
King Charles and President Macron, both of whom delivered speeches, appeared to be in high spirits
Charles even referred to the fact that as neighbours Britain and France ‘have our differences’ but stressed many years of co-operation, concluding: ‘Allow me to propose a toast to France and to our new Entente. An Entente not only past and present, but for the future – and no longer just cordiale, but now amicable’
Beaming in white, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh was in attendance with her husband Prince Edward
The Princess Royal was the image of elegance in her flowing gown as she joined Timothy Laurence
Also on the menu were Suprême de Poulet Fermier à l’Argenteuil, Supreme of Rhug Estate Chicken with Norfolk Asparagus and Tarragon Cream, Le Cassis and to wash it all down: Iced Blackcurrant Parfait on a Blackcurrant-soaked Sponge with Elderflower Jelly and Café et Petit Fours.
After dinner, guests were served Taylor’s 1977 Vintage Port and a 1948 Grande Champagne Cognac by Frapin & Co, selected to reflect the years of The President’s and His Majesty’s birth in 1977 and 1948 respectively.
A cocktail had also been created for the occasion, called L’entente, combining British gin with lemon curd and French pastis, garnished with dried French cornflowers and English roses.
Hand-picked, seasonal flowers, including roses and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, as well as flowers and lavender from The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park, are arranged in silver-gilt centrepieces taken from the Grand Service.
On the conclusion of the Banquet, flowers that cannot be reused were donated to Floral Angels, a charity based at the New Covent Garden Flower Market in London whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen.
These flowers are delivered to hospices, elderly care homes, shelters, and many other deserving beneficiaries within the local community.
Following the State Banquet, Their Majesties, The President and Mrs Macron and guests then moved to the Music Room for a performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
The music for this special performance was arranged from the original scores by Welsh musician and composer, John Quirk. The performance will be conducted by Ryan Bancroft, Principal Conductor, BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
