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British Royals

Quail eggs, courgette and braised plums are on the menu as King Charles hosts State Banquet for Donald Trump

Queen Camilla, dressed in royal blue, inspects the flowers for the State Banquet

It’s a moment of history and it’s all wrapped up in courgettes. As Donald Trump becomes the only elected politician ever to have a second State Banquet hosted in his honour, King Charles and Queen Camilla have revealed their menu picks and courgettes feature heavily.

The royal chef has already revealed that the final decision on what’s dished up for guests at the State Banquet rests with The King and Queen and they’ve gone for a fresh tasting menu that mixes homegrown veg with more unusual delicacies.

Queen Camilla wears blue and Melania Trump wears yellow at the State Banquet
Royal Family/ Instagram

As a starter, Charles and Camilla have chosen a pannacotta flavoured with watercress and served with quail egg salad and a parmesan shortbread. Given the role that the price of eggs played in Mr Trump’s re-election campaign, it could be seen as a spin on a well worn theme.

It turns out that in this menu, the egg definitely does come first as the main that follows is the chicken. This chicken comes from Norfolk and it’s organic, natch, given King Charles’ passion for sustainable farming. It’s cooked in a ballotine and that’s where the courgettes come in. For the chicken is wrapped up in wafer thin slices of the veg.

There’s more greens for the US President as it will be served with a thyme infused jus.

Kate, The Princess of Wales wears a gold gown with pearl tiara for the State Banquet for US President, Donald Trump
Royal Family/ Instagram

For pudding, he gets ice cream, albeit with a regal twist. This vanilla is actually an ice cream bombe with an inside of Kentish raspberry sorbet and just to make sure everyone gets their five a day, there’s a side of stewed Victoria plums.

The wine list is extensive and includes a 1945 vintage port, chosen to reflect the fact that Donald Trump is the 45th as well as the 47th President of the United States. There’s also a 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne, selected as that is the year of birth of Donald Trump’s mother, Mary MacLeod. However, Mr Trump doesn’t drink and is known to enjoy a cola instead.

Silver gilt pieces from the Grand Service have been filled with handpicked seasonal flowers and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. After the State Banquet, the flowers that can’t be reused will be given to Floral Angels who will deliver them to hospices, shelters and care homes for the elderly.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.