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.
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.
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.
