King Charles III delivered a pointed tribute to Prince William during Tuesday’s state banquet at Windsor Castle, notably omitting any mention of his estranged younger son, Prince Harry. The monarch’s speech, delivered to more than 160 guests, including French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, highlighted William’s decision to establish his family home at Windsor while making no reference to Harry.
During the glittering dinner held in St. George’s Hall on July 8, 2025, King Charles praised his elder son’s choice to reside at Windsor, drawing historical parallels to the castle’s Norman origins. The king noted that the castle was begun by William, Duke of Normandy, in 1070 and remains the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Charles remarked, “So it is perhaps rather appropriate that my son, the Prince of Wales, who shares that earlier William’s name, has made Windsor his home.”
The omission of Harry from the royal tribute comes amid ongoing tensions between him and the royal family. Harry, who relocated to California with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties, has expressed the desire for reconciliation with his cancer-stricken father, though he has claimed the king refuses to speak with him.
The state banquet marked a significant diplomatic occasion, being the first visit by a French president since 2008 and the first by a European Union political leader since Brexit. The event was held at Windsor Castle rather than the traditional Buckingham Palace venue due to ongoing renovations at the London residence.
The evening brought together members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Notable guests included Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Elton John, and England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who dined alongside the royals and French delegation.
King Charles used the occasion to address serious diplomatic matters, speaking of the partnership between the UK and France in facing complex international challenges. He emphasized the need for cooperation in addressing terrorism, organized crime, cyberattacks, and irregular migration across the English Channel. The king indicated that as friends and allies, the two nations must face these threats together.
The banquet featured a menu designed by chef Raymond Blanc, beginning with summer vegetables from Le Manoir gardens, followed by Rhug Estate chicken with Norfolk asparagus, and concluding with blackcurrant parfait. A special cocktail called “l’entente” combined British gin with French pastis, garnished with French cornflowers and English roses, symbolizing the diplomatic ties between the nations.
Wine selections reflected the Anglo-French theme, featuring Château Haut-Brion 1996 and grand cru Burgundy, alongside English sparkling wine from Domaine Evremond. The king noted the significance of serving English sparkling wine made by a French champagne house, describing it as scarcely believable to their predecessors.
Princess Catherine’s attendance marked her first state banquet since her cancer diagnosis and treatment, representing another step in her gradual return to public duties. She wore a dark red Givenchy gown designed by Sarah Burton, paired with the Lover’s Knot tiara formerly worn by Princess Diana. Queen Camilla chose an ivory silk gown by Fiona Clare, complemented by Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire tiara and matching jewelry.
President Macron delivered his own speech, switching between French and English as he addressed the historic ties between the nations. He referenced the upcoming loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum, describing it as a powerful symbol showing that the end of Franco-British history is yet to be written.
The French delegation bestowed honorary awards from the French government, with Queen Camilla receiving the Legion of Honour and Prince William being made a Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour. Princess Catherine was appointed Grand Officer of the Order of Merit for France, while President Macron received the Order of Bath from Britain.
The three-day state visit continues with a UK-France summit at Downing Street, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host discussions on illegal migration and support for Ukraine. The visit represents efforts to strengthen post-Brexit relations between the two nations amid ongoing regional and global challenges.
William established his primary residence at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Great Park in 2022, moving his family from Kensington Palace to be closer to Lambrook School where their three children study. The relocation positioned the Wales family at the heart of the Windsor estate, reinforcing their central role in the monarchy’s future.
