Windsor Castle lit up with dazzling lights and royal elegance as the UK rolled out the red carpet for French President Emmanuel Macron.
But this wasn’t just another state banquet—it was a night where diplomacy met high society, where global politics quietly took a backseat to sparkle, elegance, and a touch of French-British charm.
President Macron’s three-day visit to the UK officially kicked off in style, with King Charles and Queen Camilla hosting a grand state banquet in his honor.
The glittering guest list included British royalty and iconic stars like Sir Elton John and Sir Mick Jagger, all seated beneath the grand ceilings of Windsor’s historic St George’s Hall.
Kate’s Stunning Return Steals the Spotlight
Princess Kate made a radiant return to the royal scene after stepping away from public life for several months due to her cancer treatment.
Dressed in a deep red Givenchy gown designed by Sarah Burton, she was the epitome of regal glamour.
Her elegant ensemble was completed with the Lover’s Knot Tiara—once beloved by Princess Diana—and a clutch embroidered with Lily of the Valley.
More than just a fashion moment, Kate’s outfit told a story.
For the first time, she wore the Royal Family Order of King Charles III alongside the Order of Elizabeth II and the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Her presence marked her first state banquet since late 2023, when she began a period of rest and recovery.
Macron Bonds with the Princess and Brings the Charm
President Macron shared a particularly warm moment with the Princess of Wales as the two clinked glasses during the dinner.
He even gave her a cheeky wink, showing the relaxed yet respectful tone of the evening.
Seated between Kate and King Charles, Macron looked right at home, while his wife, Brigitte, dazzled in a sapphire blue gown with flowing cape sleeves.
It was clear from the start that this state visit wasn’t just about formal speeches—it was about rebuilding bridges and reaffirming the Franco-British bond post-Brexit, in the most elegant setting possible.
A Dinner Fit for Royals and Rock Stars
The banquet menu, curated in part by famed French chef Raymond Blanc, blended British and French flavors seamlessly.
From summer vegetables with olive oil vinaigrette to Rhug Estate chicken with Norfolk asparagus and tarragon cream, the cuisine showcased a united culinary front.
Guests finished their meal with iced blackcurrant parfait soaked in cassis, and sipped on rare vintage drinks—including Taylor’s 1977 Port and a 1948 Grande Champagne Cognac—symbolically chosen to match the birth years of both the King and President Macron.
And in true celebratory spirit, the Royal Household even created a special cocktail named “L’Entente,” featuring British gin, French pastis, and lemon curd, garnished with English roses and French cornflowers.
The Guest List That Sparkled
It wasn’t just royals and politicians who graced Windsor Castle. Sir Elton John, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, football star Mary Earps, and French singer Mika all made appearances.
After dinner, guests were treated to a classical performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ryan Bancroft, featuring works by Meyerbeer, Elgar, and Leclair.
Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall was transformed for the evening—with a highly polished, mirror-like table lined with seasonal flowers and herbs from royal gardens.
Floral arrangements that couldn’t be reused were later donated to charities and care homes through Queen Camilla’s patron charity, Floral Angels.
Earlier in the Day: Grandeur on the Streets of Windsor
Earlier in the day, President and Mrs. Macron were welcomed with a formal royal carriage procession through Windsor.
The procession mirrored the one given to Nicolas Sarkozy back in 2008.
King Charles and Macron shared a carriage, while Queen Camilla and Mrs. Macron rode together in another.
The ceremonial welcome featured a full military parade including the Grenadier Guards, Scots Guards, and the Yeomen of the Guard.
As national anthems played and gun salutes echoed from Home Park, Windsor turned into a pageant of tradition and pageantry.
Kate and William Offer a Warm Royal Welcome
The Prince and Princess of Wales greeted the Macrons personally earlier that morning, with Kate dressed in a Christian Dior jacket and hat by Jess Collett.
She wore earrings once owned by Princess Diana and a pearl necklace from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection—subtle nods to her deep-rooted place within royal history.
The group then traveled together for the official ceremonies, with the King and Queen formally receiving their guests on a red-carpeted dais against the backdrop of Windsor Castle.
King Charles Honors France and the Power of Partnership
In his banquet speech, King Charles didn’t shy away from history—he even joked about his ancestor William, Duke of Normandy, who took England by conquest. But the tone was firmly about unity.
He described France as “one of the UK’s strongest allies” and emphasized how today’s threats—whether geopolitical or environmental—can only be tackled together.
He ended his speech with a heartfelt toast to France and what he called a new kind of Entente, “not only past and present, but for the future – and no longer just cordiale, but now amicable.”
Macron Talks Migration, Security, and Shared Challenges
While the banquet was full of charm, Macron also addressed serious issues during his visit.
Speaking in Parliament, he acknowledged the growing concern over illegal Channel crossings.
He pledged that France would take a firmer stance on the crisis but urged Britain to tackle what he called “pull factors” that make it easier for migrants to stay.
He emphasized that both countries share a duty to manage migration with “humanity, solidarity, and firmness,” pointing out that criminal networks were exploiting vulnerable people.
A meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to solidify a new migrant returns deal, but sources suggest the agreement is still “in the balance.”
A State Visit with Style and Substance
President Macron’s visit marks the first by an EU leader since Brexit, symbolizing a turning point in Franco-British relations.
Security around Windsor was visibly heightened, and officials worked hard to ensure a smooth event that balanced royal pomp with real political messaging.
As Macron put it himself: “The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend… Together, we will address the major challenges of our time.”
And if this state banquet is anything to go by, that partnership is not just back on track—it’s flourishing with renewed warmth, elegance, and mutual respect.
