With 160 guests, it has taken Windsor Castle staff days to lay the table for the president’s banquet, as ITV News Correspondent John Ray reports
A special cocktail was designed to celebrate Wednesday night’s glittering banquet in honour of Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the UK.
The tradition of a bespoke cocktail for each state banquet was introduced by King Charles – and Wednesday’s was a UK/US twist on the classic whisky sour.
The transatlantic whisky sour is said to blend the smoky depth of Jonnie Walker Black with the bright citrus of marmalade.
It was crowned with a pecan foam and garnished with a toasted marshmallow set on a star-shaped biscuit to evoke the warmth of a fireside S’more.
However, Donald Trump has previously told Fox News that he has “never had a drink” so it is a gesture that was likely to be enjoyed by other state banquet guests.
After dinner, guests were set be treated to Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port, in recognition of Donald Trump as the 45th, as well as the 47th, President of the United States; Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne, from the President’s mother’s birth year; Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980, Islay, a gift to the late Queen Elizabeth in 1980, which was bottled for her Golden Jubilee in 2002.
Donald Trump sat next to the King and Princess of Wales, while his wife Melania was between the Queen and Prince of Wales.
Around 160 guests attended Wednesday’s banquet, including media mogul Rupert Murdoch, CEO of Apple Tim Cook, Chair of the National Grid Paula Reynolds and Head of BAE Systems Charles Woodburn.
They dined on a menu of:
- Hampshire Watercress Panna Cotta with Parmesan Shortbread and Quail Egg Salad
- Organic Norfolk Chicken Ballotine wrapped in courgettes, with a thyme and savoury infused jus
- Vanilla Ice Cream Bombe with Kentish Raspberry Sorbet interior with lightly poached Victoria Plums
It took almost a week to construct the 50-metre table – which is the same length as 2.7 Marine One helicopters – and was laid with 1,452 pieces of cutlery and 139 candles.
The flowers adorning the table included handpicked seasonal flowers and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park.
They were arranged in silver-gilt centre pieces taken from the grand service.
The King and Queen personally inspected the banquet table in St George’s Hall ahead of the state banquet.
They both shook hands with household staff who were behind the meticulous planning and staging of Wednesday night’s grand event.
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