King Charles and Camilla, imagine an evening in Versailles (in memory of Elizabeth II and Philip): the photos

King’s royal tour of France got off to a great start Charles III and the queen Camilla. The sovereigns spent their first evening across the Channel at the Palace of Versailles, where a gala dinner was held attended by 160 highly selected French and British guests. From Hugh Grant to Charlotte Gainsbourg, from Mick Jagger to Carole Bouquet it was a real triumph, even if the looks were all for Camilla, who paid homage to the host country by choosing a Dior dress, and for the première dame Brigitte Macronperfect hostess.

As a backdrop to such magnificence, the hall of mirrors of the palace, the same one that in 1919 hosted the signatures of the Treaty of Versailles, the formal act with which the Great War was archived. A room of great scenic impact, with 357 mirrors along the walls and imposing chandeliers. Between grandeur and sparkles, however, it was the heart that prevailed, with a touching tribute from Charles III to his father Philip and to the mother Elizabeth II. In fact, the king recalled his parents’ first visit together to France.

It was 1948, a few months after their wedding. «They say they caused a sensation dancing until the early hours of the morning in the elegant Chez Carrere, on Pierre Charron Street, serenaded by Edith Piaf. I suspect he made a big impression on me, even six months before I was born. There Vie en Rose it’s still one of my favorite songs,” revealed the king. Who knows if this is really the case, if the Vie en Rose remained with him because his mother had experienced it so intensely when she was waiting for him, of course if you imagine them, Filippo and Elisabetta, it is easy to believe that it really happened.

After this tender memory of the parents and the first toast of the evening, the dinner got underway, with a menu designed by three-Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Guests were served an appetizer of blue lobster and crab with a veil of fresh almonds and mint and coconut gel. The main course was created by chef Yannick Alléno, also an award-winning chef, who prepared Bresse chicken flavored with corn and gratinated with porcini mushrooms. The dessert, however, was thought of by pastry chef Pierre Hermé, with a rose, lychee and raspberry cake. Who knows if their Majesties enjoyed it, they certainly loved the evening, at least judging by the smiles.