Sumptuous Banquet Contributes to €8M Deficit for French Presidential Office
The French president’s office has come under scrutiny for extravagant spending, with a new report from the country’s top audit court revealing that nearly €475,000 (£400,100) was spent on a lavish dinner for King Charles. This event was part of a “soft power” mission aimed at strengthening relations between London and Paris.
Held at the opulent Palace of Versailles in September 2023, the state banquet hosted over 150 guests and featured an indulgent menu, including lobster and crab, French poultry marinated in champagne, and a gratin of French ceps. The feast was accompanied by vintage wines and champagnes, concluding with a dessert of French macarons paired with lychee and rose sorbet, and raspberry compote.
The audit report, covered by Politico, detailed the cost breakdown: €166,193 was allocated to catering, and €42,515 was spent on drinks.
During the event, King Charles expressed his gratitude to President Macron, recalling the profound impact of the tributes paid in France to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. French President Emmanuel Macron, in his toast, emphasized the enduring strength of French-British ties despite Brexit, stating, “Despite Brexit, and because our ties are so old, I know that we will continue to write together part of our continent’s history.”
The audit report also highlighted a €412,366 expenditure on a dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Louvre Museum, with €172,922 spent on catering and €36,447 on drinks.
