The visit of United States President Donald Trump to the United Kingdom was one of the most anticipated events of the year. His presence at Buckingham caused anticipation in the British press and also in the international media. The Royal Household kept a close eye on every detail of the reception so that it would reflect the grandeur and solemnity of the monarchy.
The banquet offered to Donald and Melania Trump by Charles III exceeded all expectations. Nobody doubted that it would be an elegant and solemn evening, but the display surprised even the guests. The most talked-about aspect was the time invested and the meaning behind the chosen menu.
A visit filled with protocol and symbolism
The arrival of Donald Trump in the United Kingdom was marked by a strong security deployment and official protocol. The streets of London were filled with onlookers and tourists who hoped to witness the historic visit up close. The image of the president and his wife, Melania, alongside King Charles III quickly made the front pages of the world press.
The meeting represented much more than a diplomatic act of courtesy. It was an opportunity to strengthen ties between countries in a context of uncertainty. The British Crown wanted to show its role as a guarantor of stability.
The atmosphere combined solemnity with gestures of closeness toward the guests. The official speeches underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship. The evening progressed amid anticipation and comments about Charles III's style.
The banquet Charles III prepared for six months
The most talked-about gesture was the gala banquet in honor of Trump, an event that made headlines and sparked curiosity. The preparation for the event lasted for "more than six months" and was handled with great care, reflecting the great importance the British Royal Household placed on the meeting. The lengthy duration of the preparations surprised everyone, as rarely had so much time been invested in a State banquet.
The menu was designed under the supervision of royal chef Mark Flanagan, who was responsible for shaping a banquet that had to impress the guests. The vegetable quiche and seasoned eggplants set the tone for the banquet, a proposal full of fresh flavors and a clear focus on vegetables. The proposal clearly showed the monarch's commitment to environmental sustainability, a message he wanted to leave with the diners.
The exception was a rack of lamb with an Asian-inspired marinade, prepared with modern techniques and intended as an alternative option. The dish offered another choice for those who don't follow a vegetarian diet, a gesture of inclusion toward guests with diverse tastes and high expectations. The dessert, a strawberry and ginger trifle, ended the evening with a sweet and fresh touch, providing perfect balance.
The contrast with the coronation of Elizabeth II
The comparison between the reception banquet for Trump and the coronation of Elizabeth II was inevitable. In 1953, the main course was the famous "coronation chicken." That recipe became a symbol of an era and set a tradition in the Royal Household.
The cold chicken with curry sauce and spiced rice was the great novelty. Le Cordon Bleu was in charge of preparing the official menu for that day. The approval of the dish even went through the Ministry of Public Works.
Today, seventy years later, the contrast is clear. Elizabeth II chose a hearty dish full of exoticism. Charles III, however, has opted for an almost vegan banquet that conveys an environmental message.