King Charles III and Queen Camilla fulfilled a significant diplomatic duty by hosting a grand State Banquet at Windsor Castle on the evening of Sunday, 3 December. The event was held in honour of the visiting German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife, First Lady Elke Büdenbender.
A Glimpse into the Lavish Windsor Castle Event
The British Royal Family shared official glimpses of the preparations and the grand setting through their Instagram account. A video reel from the event quickly went viral, amassing over 2.2 million views. The caption, posted in both English and German, formally announced the banquet held for the Federal President and Ms. Büdenbender.
The hall was spectacularly decorated for the festive season. The centrepiece was a magnificent 25-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree, sourced directly from Windsor Great Park. The tree was adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, creating a breathtaking Christmas atmosphere in St George’s Hall.
Public Reaction and the Day's Royal Engagements
Social media reactions to the decorations were overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising the team's effort. Comments described the setting as "breathtaking," "the epitome of gold done in good taste," and "tasteful, peaceful, and festive." However, a note of dissent was also present, with one user pointing out the contrast with families struggling with homelessness.
The State Visit continued into Monday, 4 December. President Steinmeier began his day with a private tribute at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel. Later, King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed guests to a reception at Windsor Castle.
In a separate engagement, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, was scheduled to meet German First Lady Elke Büdenbender. Their itinerary potentially included a visit to a scouting event in the Frogmore Gardens. Meanwhile, President Steinmeier, accompanied by German football legends Per Mertesacker and Kai Havertz, visited a school in East London.
The Tradition of a Royal State Banquet
The day concluded with a formal farewell ceremony led by the King and Queen, marking the end of the second day of the State Visit. A Royal State Banquet is a pinnacle of formal diplomacy. These events, typically hosting 150 to 170 guests, are held at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle on the first evening of a state visit.
The dress code is strictly white-tie, requiring men to wear tailcoats and women to wear long gowns, often accessorised with tiaras. The place settings are elaborate, with each guest having an 18-inch space laid with multiple glasses and pieces of cutlery. The menu, personally selected by the King, traditionally consists of four courses: fish, a main course, pudding, and a dessert of fruit and coffee.
