Last year, the French President’s administration spent about €475,000 on a magnificent luncheon at the Palace of Versailles for King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The French President’s office spent about €475,000 ($515,000) on a sumptuous supper for King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Palace of Versailles in September 2023, according to information released by the country’s public auditor on Monday.
The meal was attended by the British king and his spouse on their three-day state visit to France.
According to local media, some 180 people attended the opulent event, which included French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, Mick Jagger, Hugh Grant, and Emma Mackey from Sex Education.
A feast of blue lobster, champagne-marinated chicken, and crab cakes were among the many delicacies served to the visitors. But last year, the lavish dinner for King Charles severely damaged the Élysée Palace’s budget, leaving a shortfall of €8.3 million.
The watchdog, which assesses the French president’s finances, including spending on staff, security, and overseas missions, said that in 2023, costs related to the Élysée Palace topped €125 million ($136 million), a 14% rise from the year before.
King Charles and President Macron had a dinner last night.
— John LeFevre (@JohnLeFevre) September 22, 2023
They’d like you to reduce your carbon footprint. pic.twitter.com/bb0E1tyiQL
Queen Camilla and King Charles III with President of France Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron attended State Dinner in honor of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles on 20 September 2023 in Versailles Paris France. pic.twitter.com/500UAED021
— joydreamslink (@joydreamslink) September 22, 2023
European Union issues warning to France
The French government’s overspending was a part of a bigger budget dispute for 2023 that resulted in a reprimand from the EU.
For the state banquet, France paid more over €166,000 ($180,000) on catering. Furthermore, additional costs for furnishings, flowers, and décor totaled €42,000 ($46,000).
In the meanwhile, the audit office emphasized that in order to restore and preserve the presidency’s financial balance, “significant efforts” would be required in 2024. Additionally, it was disclosed that France paid €412,000 ($447,000) for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state banquet.
The European Union issued a formal warning to France last month on its budget imbalance, the highest of the 27 members of the bloc. France’s public debt has also surged dramatically to around 111% of GDP.
Netizens react after revelation of France’s public auditor data
Both French and British voices were heard after the news on France’s spending on Charles’s state supper.
Stupid, I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. They lead a privileged life by birth. There to serve is the monarchy. One X user said, “It does not have a say in ruling this country, nor does it make profit.”
Another questioned, supporting King Charles, “Well, surely that is the fault of the French President, not King Charles?”
A third person commented, “The elites are laughing at us and worse.”
A French person said, “Nice to know that all our sweat and hard work is keeping y’all fed,” in response to a British writer who stated, “We did not pay for it, the French did.” The folks who need food banks would certainly appreciate it.
