During their official visit, the US President, Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania were guests at a lavish state banquet held at Windsor Castle, graciously hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The event exuded glamour and sophistication, with notable attendees including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton seated beside Mr. Trump, and Charles positioned to his left. The guest list featured prominent figures such as Rupert Murdoch, Elena Murdoch, and Keir Starmer, among others.
Months of meticulous preparation went into organizing the banquet, with every detail meticulously examined by staff and the monarch. The banquet took place in St George’s Hall, the grandest room in the castle, measuring 180 feet long and 29.5 feet wide. A magnificent 50-meter mahogany table was set up to accommodate 160 guests, adorned with vibrant floral arrangements, 139 candles, and an array of hand-polished cutlery and glassware meticulously placed at each setting.
To efficiently serve the multitude of guests, 19 stations were strategically positioned around the hall, each with a dedicated team comprising a page, a footman, an under butler, and a wine butler. A well-coordinated traffic light system and detailed diagrams were employed to ensure seamless service, along with a comprehensive list of instructions to cater to the specific needs of high-profile attendees.
Before the guests’ arrival, the King and Queen were captured admiring the elaborate floral decorations and inspecting the setup, expressing their appreciation to the Household staff for their exceptional efforts. The menu for the evening was thoughtfully curated to reflect the guests of honor’s country, adhering to the esteemed tradition of presenting it in French.
The wine selection featured prestigious choices such as Wiston Estate, Cuvée, 2016, and Pol Roger, extra cuvee de Reserve, 1998, a favorite of Sir Winston Churchill. Post-dinner offerings included Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port, paying homage to Mr. Trump as the 45th President of the United States, and Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne, honoring his mother’s Scottish heritage. Additionally, a rare Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980, Islay, bottled for Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee, was also served.
Breaking tradition, a bespoke cocktail named the Transatlantic Whisky Sour was specially concocted, blending elements of the UK and US in a symbolic gesture of the close relationship between the two countries. Despite this, President Trump, a teetotaler, likely declined the cocktail, as he has never consumed alcohol, as revealed in a previous interview.