King Charles hosts French President for State Visit

[My2cents1975]

After Brexit, the Royal Family (Queen Elizabeth and then King Charles) have deployed soft power to support Anglo-French rapprochement.

Hopefully politicians will pursue improved co-operation between the two nations as it is critical for security (Ukraine war) and prosperity (reducing trade barriers for small to medium businesses hit hard by increased red tape post-Brexit).

King Charles hosts President Macron and his wife Brigitte at Windsor for state visit

It’s called humour.

That's why I said I'm laughing?!

I remember everyone taking the piss when William wore that dark green velvet jacket to Earthshot.

You don't seem to know that this kind of thing ( colours) is used all over the world as a tribute to guests.

Just for you, @Extiainoiapeial, this mentions the menu from last time Trump came: https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-state-visit-what-queen-served-buckingham-palace-banquet-2019-6

Seems they managed to avoid the burgers!!

It really is deeply tedious that you’ve decided I was suggesting Gregg’s sausage rolls.

You’re not wrong!

it will be an ordeal for him food wise. Also, he only drinks Diet Coke and I mean ‘only’. When he was in court recently 😲 he asked the judge permission to have his usual tipple and was told no. He had to make do with water!

Thank you! I bet old Trump hated all those furrin words on his menu 🤣 And I wonder if he needed a side order of ketchup for his lamb!

I have to say, the menu sounds delicious, every bit of it as long as the lamb wasn't too pink, I'm a pleb with that

And yes, I do understand about symbolic dressing. But there is nothing thoughtful or subtle or even symbolic than in your face all red, all white or all blue.

I'd forgotten his coke addiction, yes! I think he has a button he presses on AirForceOne to summon coke 😂

Or mint sauce!!

Your mention of pink lamb reminds me of staying in a small French hotel, where the main course that night was indeed lamb. Knowing how they cook it, we were disappointed to find there was nowhere else local to eat so had to risk it, and if it had been any rarer it would have been baa-ing

It was honestly one of the best dishes I've ever eaten ...

What would you have suggested they wear instead?

With each post you are sounding more and more desperate @CurlewKate you haven’t acknowledged historical and political significance of state visits, and the benefits of a country literally laying out the red carpet that has been explained to you many times by posters on this thread, you have to find something, anything, that in your opinion denigrates a state visit, now it’s been pointed out to you the men also wear the colours of the respective flags what straw are you going to grasp at next?

Ooh yes — now I’m intrigued

And since my joke about a Greggs sausage roll seems to have offended sensibilities, I’d love to hear what you’d serve instead. What’s your idea of a dignified but not-too-grand diplomatic tea and lunch? And let’s not forget — this is about reflecting both British and French heritage in food, fashion and decor.

I refer the honourable member to my previous post…

Oh, I don't know. Beautiful clothes by designers from the relevant countries-but subtle, rather than bashing over the head with block colours?

Hoo ha. I must have must that despite being here everyday because all I saw was a handful of comments in passing regarding his colour of suit.

It really is deeply tedious that you’ve decided I was suggesting Gregg’s sausage rolls

Maybe it’s time to start thinking about the impression you give of yourself.

The post referring to tea and lunch? Or is there another one I missed? You’ve posted quite a lot in the past 24 hours. I did spot a vague mention on both — but I’m still waiting on the actual details.

Since you’ve been rather outspoken about what not to do — mocking the state banquet, the outfits, the pomp — I was hoping you’d offer a thoughtful alternative. How exactly would you reflect both British and French traditions in a tea and lunch menu? What dishes? What flavours? And what would you have the guests wear, since the formal attire clearly didn’t pass your vibe check?

For someone so quick to dismiss the effort and symbolism of a state banquet, you’ve been remarkably vague when it comes to presenting ideas of your own.

I’m tittering now, imagining the royal women in Union Jack mini dresses like Geri Halliwell’s when she was in The Spice Girls.

Nobody has yet come up with any sort of CBA of these events. Someone down thread said she could-but didn’t come up with anything. Of course I can see why post Brexit sucking up to the French is necessary but not, surely, something to be proud of? Presumably Macron is sophisticated enough to be cynical-he’s not changing his views because of a delicious pudding! And the Windsor Uniform always has red facings-so the men are not “nodding” to national colours.

Meals are part of many celebrations and they are usually more elaborate than normal. Weddings, promotions, leaving dos, getting a big contract, celebrating clients, funerals, etc etc There are also smaller versions of a State Dinner happening at certain points of the year around the country either held by or celebrating dignitaries, like Mayor's or High Sheriffs etc. Then think of all the clubs and societies that have annual dinners.

My point is that using food as part of a celebration, business deal or to flatter someone and grease the political wheels isn't something odd in our culture. They happen a lot, they always cost more than we would usually spend eating and most people dress up for them.

Curlew- I’m personally recommending you for a Distinguished Service Medal for working your socks off to argue that state visits are pointless and outmoded, as well as coming under the category’Sucking up to the French’. It’s been a valiant effort, but ultimately unsuccessful.

Well, duh! Yes, sucking up to other nations whose friendship and cooperation we need IS what it’s about and it’s called diplomacy.

So you’ve complained about the cost , you’ve complained about the food and now you are complaining about the clothes !
obviously all the explanations in the world are lost on you perhaps this thread isn’t for you.

You don't seem to understand the block colours are a foil to the rest of the regalia. There are reasons for these things which seem to go over your head.

And the Windsor Uniform always has red facings-so the men are not “nodding” to national colours

William didn’t wear the Windsor Uniform but he’s still wearing red, white and blue as part of his dinner wear that evening.