She was eagerly awaited. Initially scheduled for spring 2020, the state visit of Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Empress Masako to the United Kingdom had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Then Queen Elizabeth II died.
It was therefore only this Tuesday, June 25, 2024 that the Japanese imperial couple was – finally – welcomed with great fanfare on British soil by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. And that on the first evening, they offered a state banquet in their honor.
Langoustines, turbot, various vegetables and a peach dessert
For this gala dinner, where the two wives of the monarchs appeared dressed in immaculate evening dresses and adorned with sumptuous tiaras, the tables were set up in a U shape in the Ballroom (the large ballroom) of the palace.
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The State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in honor of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace, June 25, 2024
ABACA
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© Pettitt Jordan/PA Wire
Guests were able to enjoy a three-course menu, as reported by the “Daily Express”. A meat-free menu where Scottish langoustines, Cornish turbot and peaches reigned.
The new plates with the number of King Charles III, at Buckingham Palace on June 25, 2024
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© Aaron Chown
The menu in detail
Poached Scottish langoustines on a cucumber nest with a basil mousse and a chilled tomato broth.
Baked Cornish turbot fillet with herb butter wrapped in lettuce, Sorrel (sorrel) cream sauce and a selection of summer vegetables, flanked by a potato croquette cream and spinach and served with a salad of green beans and quail eggs.
Frozen bomb with an insert of peach sorbet on a bed of compressed peaches (a technique which helps preserve the color of fruits and vegetables).
