French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed King Charles III to a grand banquet at the Palace of Versailles, marking the start of a three-day state visit aimed at highlighting the enduring strength of Franco-British relations post-Brexit.
Originally scheduled for March but postponed due to pension reform protests in France, this visit also underlines Charles’ role as a statesman following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The itinerary, featuring ceremonial events in Paris and Bordeaux, remains largely unchanged. Charles and Camilla were greeted outside the palace by Macron and his wife, Brigitte, before joining other dignitaries.
Dinner guests included British rock icon Mick Jagger, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, and the world’s richest person, luxury goods magnate Bernard Arnault.
The menu featured gourmet delights like blue lobster prepared by renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic, inspired by the tastes of King Louis XIV, who constructed Versailles.
The glittering Hall of Mirrors, where the banquet took place, holds historical significance, as Queen Elizabeth II lunched there during her first state visit to France in 1957.
The late queen, a lover of French culture who made five state visits to France during her historic 70-year reign, is fondly remembered throughout the visit.
