Royal State Banquet at Windsor Castle: President Trump to Attend Grand Dinner
President Donald Trump will be the guest of honour at a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle this Wednesday evening. The banquet, held in the historic St George's Hall, will host around 160 guests, with every detail meticulously reviewed by the King and Queen. A special cocktail symbolizing the UK-US relationship will be crafted for the occasion, continuing a tradition started by the King. The menu, prepared by royal chefs, will be served on priceless dinner sets to guests with cultural, diplomatic, or economic ties to the US.
Preparations for a state banquet begin six months in advance, with the table set up by household staff over three days. Former state banquets have featured Hollywood stars, but Mr. Trump's last visit focused more on trade and business. The royal family, including the Prince of Wales and other members, will attend the banquet. The seating arrangement will place the monarch next to Mr. Trump, with other royals spread around the table. Notable absentees include the Duke of York and Lord Peter Mandelson.
Royal chef Mark Flanagan and his team will serve a menu selected by Charles and Camilla, featuring seasonal produce from royal estates. The banquet will be adorned with seasonal flowers from the castle gardens, arranged in silver-gilt centrepieces. The impressive St George's Hall will host the banquet, with a meticulously set table and a traffic light system to coordinate the serving of courses. The dress code for the event is tiaras and white tie, with speeches and toasts by the King and Mr. Trump.
The banquet will conclude with a procession of 12 pipers, a tradition started by Queen Victoria. The event promises to be a grand affair, showcasing the royal hospitality and the enduring relationship between the UK and the US.