During the monarch’s September visit, President Emmanuel Macron went all out, serving blue lobster, crab, and a variety of cheeses to the visitors.
…However, the Cour des Comptes cautioned that increased spending on state receptions had contributed to their budget being €8.3 million in deficit in their annual report on the presidential accounts.
Furthermore, it states that “significant efforts… to restore and sustain the financial balance of the presidency” are now required of the Elysée.
More than €165,000 of the dinner’s budget went toward catering, and another €40,000 went toward beverages.
The glamorous guests, who included Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Jagger, football manager Arsene Wenger, and actor Hugh Grant, were first served blue lobster and crab, then Bresse poultry and mushroom gratin.
A meal of cheeses was also served, which included British Stichelton Blue and French Comté.
They were also given a rose macaroon cookie for dessert, which was made with raspberries, lychees, and rose petal cream.
A major diplomatic effort between the two nations was the focus of King Charles’ three-day state visit to France, which included an opulent feast at the Palace of Versailles.
