King Charles sparks fury for ‘insulting’ royal chefs at State Banquet with bold move

King Charles is facing criticism from a former royal aide after involving celebrity French chef Raymond Blanc in this week’s lavish state banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron at Windsor Castle.

Darren McGrady, who served as royal chef from 1982 to 1997, called Charles’s decision to enlist Blanc a “huge slap in the face” to the palace’s own chefs.

Blanc, an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, designed the starter and dessert for the banquet, while royal head chef Mark Flanagan created the main course.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, McGrady said: “I get that Raymond Blanc is one of the best chefs in the world… but it’s a huge slap in the face to the palace royal chefs.”

In response, Blanc defended the collaboration, saying: “Mark did a beautiful course… it was a splendid occasion.”

The banquet menu included a tender summer vegetable starter, Rhug Estate chicken with tarragon sauce for the main, and iced blackcurrant parfait for dessert.

The event marked the highlight of Macron’s three-day state visit, with the royal table set beneath the grand gothic ceiling of St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.

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