The King and Queen of England are on a three-day state trip to France, but during his stay the monarch has banned one food item from all of his luxury menu.
In the world of diplomacy, state visits are often meticulously choreographed affairs, where every detail is carefully considered to ensure a seamless display of pomp and circumstance. But when it comes to King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to France, there's a culinary twist that has captured both curiosity and headlines.
Originally scheduled for March, Charles' first state visit to France as the monarch had to be postponed due to pension reform protests. According to The Guardian, the King's itinerary includes two days in Paris followed by a final day in Bordeaux.
King Charles' strict culinary demands
King Charles and Queen Camilla embarked on a highly anticipated state visit to France, marking a significant moment in their reign. The grandeur of the event was accentuated by a sumptuous dinner held in his honor at the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, attended by members of the French government, constituted bodies, businessmen, individuals with cultural significance, and those with a vested interest in Franco-British relations.
As they set off for a three-day trip, an interesting culinary detail emerged: King Charles has banned a beloved food item that his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, adored from all the residences they will visit in France.
What has garnered attention is Charles' decision to ban foie gras with truffles from all the residences they will visit.
Laurent Stefanini, the former head of protocol of the French Republic who managed Queen Elizabeth's visit to Paris in 2014, told AP News that the late Queen cherished this delicacy. Stefanini explained that Queen Elizabeth 'was very fond of a very good foie gras with truffles, which she remembered from her first state visit in 1957.' As a result, it became a 'gastronomic symbol' to serve foie gras to her during her visits.
Interestingly, Charles' culinary preferences extend beyond the foie gras ban. He also has a distaste for chocolate, coffee, and garlic, while Queen Camilla shares his aversion to garlic, as per Reuters.
Lavish state banquet with high-profile stars
According to France 24, the sumptuous menu featured blue lobster and crab as the starter, followed by Bresse poultry and a gratin of cep mushrooms, prepared by acclaimed French chefs Anne-Sophie Pic and Yannick Alléno, both recipients of three Michelin stars. A cheese selection featuring 30-month old Comte and Stilchelton English blue will follow. For dessert, world-renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé crafted his signature rose macaroon, a delicate delight made with rose petal cream, raspberries, and lychees.
The guest list for the state banquet was star-studded, featuring celebrities from both countries. Notable attendees included British actor Hugh Grant, writer Ken Follett, Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger, football player Didier Drogba, former French football coach Arsène Wenger, and Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris Olympics organization committee, alongside numerous CEOs and senior politicians.
A moment of remarkable significance
Charles and Camilla's state visit to France holds historical significance, demonstrating the strong cultural and economic ties between Britain and France. Security measures have been intensive, with thousands of police officers deployed to ensure their safety during the visit.
As per The Guardian, the visit is emblematic of improved Franco-British relations, particularly following the UK's exit from the EU. In March, President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled new cooperation agreements, cementing the renewed bond between the two nations.
This friendship. pic.twitter.com/ikXRzDWUuE
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 20, 2023
While King Charles plays no political role in the British system, he and the royal family remain potent symbols abroad. Even in a republican country like France, where monarchs were executed in the 18th century, the Windsors continue to captivate the public.
Read more:
⋙ King Charles facing criticism once again over his working hours: 'Part-time King'
⋙ The adorable reason Queen Camilla calls King Charles 'Fred'
⋙ King Charles: The monarch's 12-minute fitness secret to stay strong at 74
