Queen Camilla (from left), King Charles III, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump pose on the Grand Staircase during a state dinner at the White House. Photo / Getty Images
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House for a state dinner alongside US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
The Queen and First Lady wore oddly co-ordinating outfits, with Queen Camilla in a vibrant fuchsia gown, by Fiona Clare, and Melania Trump selecting a blush-pink Dior gown.
Guests arriving at the dinner were not welcomed in the East Wing, the traditional starting point for White House state dinners, because it no longer exists.
Donald Trump’s demolition of the historic wing just over six months ago eliminated the customary grand entryway into the White House. Instead, the 120 guests entered at multiple points.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s arrival also departed from tradition. Instead of being welcomed at the stately North Portico, where previous Presidents and First Ladies have received their guests of honour, the British monarchs were greeted at the South Portico.
The royals and the President and First Lady were photographed in front of the Grand Staircase.
Dinner guests were served a four-course predominantly French meal, the preparations for which were led by the First Lady.
According to a menu, the first course featured garden vegetable velouté, hearts of palm, toasted shallots and micro mint.
A spring herbed ravioli, ricotta cheese, morels and parmesan emulsion were to follow.
The main course was dover sole meunière, potato pavé, spring ramps, snow peas and parsley oil.
Dessert was chocolate gâteau with a vanilla bean crémeux custard, set inside with an almond joconde, with honey from the White House and crème fraîche ice cream.
– The Telegraph/Washington Post
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