Charles’ Chef Slams The King For Trying Too Hard to Please French President at State Banquet

King Charles and Queen Camilla spared no effort in welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron during their state visit to the UK, hosting also a plush state banquet dinner at Windsor Castle. To make the couple feel at home, Charles enlisted renowned French chef Raymond Blanc to assist with the dinner. Slamming his decision, former royal chef Darren McGrady called it 'a slap in the face' to Buckingham Palace chefs who are also fully capable of spearheading such an event.

Charles reportedly wanted to pay tribute to Macron's home country by having a French culinary chef guide the Palace team to prepare the meals. McGrady, who has worked with the late Queen Elizabeth, Prince William and Prince Harry told the Daily Mail, "I get that Raymond Blanc is one of the best chefs in the world, and I get that he is a King's Foundation ambassador, and I get that 'the collaboration is in the spirit of Entente Cordiale (a cordial agreement)' but it's a huge slap in the face to the Palace royal chefs." He argued, "For sure, Macron will not be bringing in British chefs for a King Charles state visit to France."

Blanc has also spoken about his experience of preparing the state banquet for the French President. He revealed that he wanted to include the royal household's head chef during the preparations as a mark of respect to the King. He said, "I could have done everything if I'd insisted, but Mark did a beautiful course – Rhug Estate chicken with British produce, with a beautiful tarragon sauce, a French way. It was a splendid occasion." Commenting on McGrady's scathing opinion of his involvement, Blanc added, "He's a royal chef who's cooked for the King for many years...it's all part of respect....We all have an opinion – and I've got a different one. I like to bring people together."

As reported by The Mirror, when Buckingham Palace announced Blanc's involvement for the banquet, a spokesperson said he was invited to help "create the first course and dessert." Blanc shares a long-standing friendship with the monarch and has served as a guest speaker at various royal events, including horticultural festivals at Highgrove. It is reported that while chef Blanc was initially asked to assist with the main course, he left that part of the meal to Mark Flanagan, the royal household’s head chef. 

As for Charles' banquet for Macron, the President sat between Charles and Kate Middleton, raising a glass while sneaking in a friendly wink to the Princess. Macron's ceremonial toast celebrated unity on pressing global issues, including migration, security, and climate. The grandiose dinner renewed the U.K.'s diplomatic warmth post-Brexit and showcased both nations’ commitment to European stability. Charles also gave a special speech praising the 'truly modern partnership' between the U.K. and France, while sneaking in a tribute also to William.