In a speech that reflected the King and Mr Macron's close friendship, Charles celebrated France as "one of our strongest allies". Peppered with jokes and seamlessly transitioning between speaking in French and English, the King used his speech to emphasise the deep-rooted bonds between the two nations.

Discussing the "multitude of complex threats", he said that "as friends and as allies, we face them together". "My firm belief is that friendship between Britain and France is vital if the liberties and peace of Europe are to be preserved," he said.

Concluding with mention of the UK-Franco Summit taking place tomorrow (WEDS), the King highlighted how the two nations will join together to tackle illegal migrant crossings, terrorism, climate change and support Ukraine. In the spirit of the Entente Cordial, the Royal Household collaborated with Chef Raymond Blanc OBE, an Ambassador for The King's Foundation, to create a First Course and Dessert for the State Banquet menu.

Guests sat on tables adorned with beautiful hand-picked seasonal flowers, including roses and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, as they tucked into a selection of summer vegetables with sage, tomato and an extra virgin olive oil dressing. This was followed by chicken with asparagus and tarragon cream and an iced blackcurrant parfait on a blackcurrant-soaked sponge with elderflower jelly.

The banquet looked different from the ones held in the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace. Instead of sitting in a horseshoe shape, guests were seated either side of an impressive 50-meter mahogany table.

The highly polished table, which reflected the coats of arms decorating the arched ceiling above, is the longest table in the country and castle staff started assembling it last Wednesday. Instead of sitting on the same side of the table, the King and Queen sat opposite one another in the centre.

Mr Macron sat on one side between Charles and Kate, while his wife was beside Camilla and William. The others in the royal party, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne, were scattered around the table amongst celebrities, politicians and leading businessmen and women.

Notable guests included Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish, French TV personality Fred Sirieix, Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger and recently retired England lioness Mary Earps.

The Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra played a repertoire of classical French and popular music during the banquet, including works by Faure, Bizet and show tunes from the musical 'Les Miserables'.

Twelve Pipers performed to signify the end of a glorious first day of a historic state visit.

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