President Emmanuel Macron shared a cheerful exchange with the Princess of Wales during a sparkling state banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening. As they clinked glasses, Macron offered a warm smile and a playful wink.

The lavish event, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marked the start of Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK and was attended by high-profile guests including Sir Elton John, Mick Jagger, footballer Mary Earps, and other prominent figures from the worlds of politics, arts, and sports.

Making a show-stopping entrance, Princess Kate captivated attendees in a deep scarlet gown by Sarah Burton for Givenchy.

The silk creponne evening dress featured dramatic caped-back detailing. She completed the look with the iconic Lover’s Knot Tiara, once favoured by Princess Diana, and proudly wore a combination of royal honours — including, for the first time, the Royal Family Order of King Charles III.

Seated between King Charles and the Princess of Wales, President Macron appeared in high spirits throughout the evening. His wife, Brigitte Macron, was also seated between the Queen and Prince William, wearing a sapphire-blue gown with regal cape-like shoulders.

The setting, Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall, dazzled under candlelight, with a mirrored banquet table lined with hand-picked seasonal flowers and herbs from royal gardens.

The lavish affair featured a Franco-British menu curated in collaboration with celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, including Rhug Estate chicken with Norfolk asparagus and an iced blackcurrant parfait.

A vintage 1977 port and 1948 cognac, matching the birth years of the president and the monarch, were served post-dinner.

King Charles charmed guests with a bilingual speech that playfully referenced his Norman ancestry, describing Windsor Castle as built by “my ancestor – and your sometime countryman – William, Duke of Normandy.” He praised the UK and France’s “Entente Amicable” as a vital partnership in confronting global challenges.

In return, Macron paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth and reiterated the need for unity, expressing France’s commitment to maintaining its friendship with Britain.

This banquet marked Princess Kate’s return to major royal duties following her recovery from cancer treatment earlier this year. Her presence alongside Prince William and the royal family added a heartfelt touch to the regal occasion.