King Charles' state visit decision accused of being a 'slap in the face' by royal chef
King Charles has come under fire over the state banquet
King Charles has come under fire from a former royal chef for enlisting French culinary icon Raymond Blanc to co-create the menu for this week’s state banquet in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron.
The glittering dinner, held at St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle, featured top members of the Royal Family, including Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate, and a host of high-profile guests like Sir Elton John and Sir Mick Jagger.
But behind the scenes, the decision to bring in an outsider to help prepare the feast has stirred tension among former royal kitchen staff.
King Charles under fire for state visit decision
Chef Darren McGrady, who previously served Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and Princes William and Harry, criticised the king’s move.
He also called it “a huge slap in the face” to the palace’s culinary team.
“I get that Raymond Blanc is one of the best chefs in the world,” Darren told MailOnline. “And I get that he’s a King’s Foundation ambassador. But it’s a huge slap in the face to the palace royal chefs.”
Darren added that the French president is unlikely to return the gesture.
“For sure, Macron will not be bringing in British chefs for a King Charles state visit to France.”
According to Buckingham Palace, Blanc was invited to assist in crafting the starter and dessert for the banquet.
The move was meant to symbolise Franco-British friendship through cuisine. Blanc has long been associated with the royal family and is a known advocate of sustainable agriculture, a shared passion with the monarch.
‘I like to bring people together’
However, also speaking to MailOnline, Blanc clarified that he was originally asked to work on the main course as well, but chose to leave it to Mark Flanagan, the Royal Household’s head chef.
“I wanted to include Mark. He’s a royal chef who’s cooked for the King for many years, plus he’s a great friend. It’s all part of respect,” Blanc 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.”
Blanc, 75, who runs the Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, also addressed Darren’s criticisms directly.
“We all have an opinion, and I’ve got a different one. I like to bring people together.”
Despite the controversy, many praised King Charles for the culinary collaboration.
The three-course meal was served alongside fine English sparkling wine and also featured a cocktail named L’Entente, symbolising unity.
The cocktail combines British gin with lemon curd and French pastis.
As reported by the BBC, French grand cru and a 1996 Château Haut-Brion were also served.
The menu merged British ingredients with French techniques, reflecting the cultural legacy of the two nations.
Read more: Prince William cheekily corrects King Charles after overhearing his dad talk about his height
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