During their official visit, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and his wife, Melania, graced the opulent state banquet at Windsor Castle, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The event exuded elegance and grandeur.
Also in attendance at the banquet were the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with other distinguished guests such as Rupert Murdoch, Elena Murdoch, and political figures like Keir Starmer. The meticulous preparations for the banquet, including the elaborate table setting and the exquisite French menu, had been underway for months under the careful scrutiny of the royal staff.
The splendid state banquet took place in St. George’s Hall, the largest room in the castle, measuring 180 feet long and 29.5 feet wide. The elaborate 50-meter mahogany table was set up a week before the event to accommodate 160 guests. The meticulous attention to detail was evident in the arrangement of glassware, gold dishes, and cutlery, all meticulously hand-polished and placed with precision.
The table was adorned with colorful blooms and an array of candles, with each place setting precisely measured 18 inches apart. The seating arrangement, positioning of chairs, and display of glasses were all meticulously executed with exacting standards.
The grand hall featured around 19 stations set up around the room’s perimeter, each manned by a team of four staff members to ensure efficient service. Special instructions, including dietary preferences of high-profile guests, were carefully noted and adhered to during the banquet.
Prior to the guests’ arrival, King Charles and Queen Camilla were captured on video admiring the floral displays and inspecting the table settings, expressing their appreciation for the meticulous planning by the Household staff. This gesture of gratitude is a customary part of the state banquet tradition.
The menu for the banquet was carefully curated to reflect the guests of honor’s country, a tradition that also extends to having the menu written in French. A selection of fine wines, including exclusive vintages, was served to complement the sumptuous meal.
The post-dinner offerings included vintage port and cognac, with special significance related to the President’s position as the 45th President of the United States. Additionally, a rare whisky was presented, adding a touch of historical significance to the evening.
A unique cocktail, the Transatlantic Whisky Sour, was crafted for the occasion, symbolizing the enduring relationship between Britain and the United States. Despite the exquisite offerings, President Trump reportedly refrained from partaking in alcohol, citing his personal choice not to consume alcoholic beverages.
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