[imagesource:x/@JenCarsonTaylor]

Seeing the lavish setting and star-studded turn-out for this year’s Palace of Versailles Banquet, it’s hard not to think you’re watching the latest episode of Bridgeton.

The regal affair was held this week at the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, a famed 17th-century gallery designed by Louis XIV to symbolise the might and splendour of the French monarchy. I can see why the French peasants were pissed back in the day – that’s one laarnie crib.

The whole event was centred on reinforcing the renewed relationship between the UK and France, following a period of strained relations during the Brexit era. As a proverbial olive branch, King Charles and Queen Camilla were warmly welcomed at a luxurious state banquet by President Emmanuel Macron.

King Charles expressed his gratitude to the French President (would seem rude not to, at a party like this), acknowledging the tributes and affection the late Queen Elizabeth II received from the French people.

Queen Camilla, elegantly donning a blue silk crepe dress and matching cape by Dior, adorned herself with diamonds inherited from the late queen, who had previously dined in the same room at Versailles during her inaugural state visit to France in 1957.

Their Majesties have been greeted at Versailles by President Macron and Mme Macron ahead of a glittering state banquet in the Hall of Mirrors #StateVisitFrance
There’s a sweet moment here as Mme Macron adjusts Queen Camilla’s cape for her. Entente Cordiale indeed! pic.twitter.com/Hx7keaE0cj

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 20, 2023

The sumptuous feast featured a menu inspired by the tastes of Louis XIV, including lobster and crab dishes, French poultry marinated in champagne and a delectable gratin of French cèpe mushrooms. Oui oui, don’t mind we I do!

The banquet hosted over 150 esteemed guests, including pop culture sex icons Mick Jagger and Hugh Grant, who were seated along a sprawling 60-meter-long table, referred to as “the king’s table.”

Gallic gentility and British royalty converged at the Chateau de Versailles for a state dinner honoring King Charles and Queen Camilla, where Sir Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick made a dazzling entrance.
Jagger, the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll cool, was clad in a sleek black tuxedo,… pic.twitter.com/qg3o8DQzYL

— 🎩Laird of the Manor🎩 (@LairdOfTheManor) September 21, 2023

“Gallic gentility” nogal.

Sports luminaries also added to the event’s prestige, with notable figures like former French football coach Arsène Wenger, football star Didier Drogba, footballer Patrick Vieira and three-time Olympic canoeing champion Tony Estanguet hanging out in their finery.

The visit celebrated shared sacrifices, ongoing military collaboration, and the forthcoming 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, reflecting Britain and France’s rocky yet amiable relationship.

Accompanied by shouts of “Vive le Roi” from the crowd, and President Macron presented the king with a special gift; a first edition of the novel Les Racines du Ciel by Romain Gary, chosen for its themes of animal protection and biodiversity. King Charles, who is renowned for his eco-advocacy, was also honoured with a medal for his contributions to environmental causes.

Although I’m not one for excess pomp and grandeur, you’ve got to admit that it looked like one helluva dinner party.

[source:theguardian]