State Banquet Unveiled: Menu, Guest List, and Disclosed Details - From Whisky Sours to the Rolling Stones
State Banquet for US President Donald Trump: A Grand Affair at Windsor Castle
The grand state banquet for US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle was a spectacle of opulence and diplomacy, showcasing the best of British hospitality. The seating plan was meticulously arranged by the Palace, with guests being representative of Atlantic relationships.
The banquet table, stretching 47.32 meters, was adorned with 139 candles and 1,452 pieces of cutlery. The floral arrangements included handpicked seasonal blooms and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and The Savill Garden.
Notable guests included media mogul Rupert Murdoch, 94, who was seated at the banquet, although not next to the Queen or Prince William. Other prominent figures in attendance were British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Microsoft, Alphabet, and OpenAI top executives, along with political actors and tech leaders, totaling around 160 guests in St. George's Hall.
The King was seated between Mr. Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Other tech industry guests included Sam Altman, Tim Cook, and Jensen Huang. Among the golfing personalities present were Sir Nick Faldo and Charley Hull, winner of three Ladies' Professional Golf Association titles.
The menu was a culinary delight, with an American red wine from the Californian Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello, 2000, forming part of it. In recognition of Mr. Trump's Scottish heritage, a Bowmore Queen's Cask whisky from Islay was chosen. A bespoke whisky sour cocktail was served, garnished with a toasted marshmallow on a star-shaped biscuit. Warre's 1945 vintage port was served in recognition of Mr. Trump's role as the 45th and 47th president of the United States.
The cocktail being served blended the smoky depth of Johnnie Walker Black with the bright citrus of marmalade. A Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne was offered in recognition of the President's mother's birth year.
The music played by the Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra was a harmonious blend of classical and popular tunes, including Nessun Dorma, a James Bond medley, Ave Maria Schubert, Rolling Stones' You Can't Always Get What You Want, and Sir Elton John's Tiny Dancer.
Notable moments included Camilla and Melania Trump entering the banquet hall together. Mr. Trump was also seen having discussions with golfing personalities, including Sir Nick Faldo. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was conversing with Scottish First Minister John Swinney during the event.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Mr. Murdoch was invited to the state banquet, reflecting the spirit of diplomacy and unity that pervaded the event. The state banquet for US President Donald Trump was indeed a grand affair, a testament to the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.
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