Royal Feast: Macron's Lobster Banquet For King Charles, Camilla Cost France Rs 4 Crore

France: When we talk about savouring royal meals and living a life of luxury, it often seems like a far-off fantasy, but it’s not entirely out of reach! 

A recent audit report has revealed that a lavish lobster dinner for King Charles III, held at the Palace of Versailles and hosted by President Macron last September, cost the French President's office an astounding $500,000 (approximately Rs 4 crore). For the unversed, the event, intended to boost UK-France relations, featured a glittering guest list of 150 people, including Hugh Grant, Arsène Wenger, and Mick Jagger.

What did the elaborate menu feature? 

The elegantly arranged menu featured a selection of exquisite dishes, including blue lobster, crab, champagne-marinated poultry, French mushroom gratin, and a variety of cheeses such as French Comté and British Stichelton blue. 

For dessert, guests enjoyed a delicate rose macaroon cookie accompanied by rose petal cream, fresh raspberries, and lychees.  

During the dinner, attended by celebrities such as Hugh Grant, Mick Jagger, and Arsène Wenger, King Charles conveyed to President Macron that “your generosity of spirit brings to mind how my family and I were so greatly moved by the tributes paid in France to my mother, the late queen.”

In his toast, President Macron emphasized the enduring strength of the Franco-British relationship despite Brexit, expressing confidence that “our long-standing ties will continue to shape the history of our continent.”

The audit report raised concerns about the impact of lavish state receptions on the budget, revealing a nearly $9 million deficit. The recent dinner, which cost a total of $513,000, included $179,000 in food and $46,000 in drinks.   

This isn’t France’s first instance of high expenditure on state dinners. In July 2023, in a bid to encourage New Delhi to purchase more French submarines and fighter jets, Macron hosted a state dinner for Prime Minister Modi at the Louvre, which cost €412,000, according to the auditor.