SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

The bill for Macron's state dinner: 5.5 million

When France's President Macron invited King Charles to dinner, he wanted to do something grandiose. The result was a star-studded lobster dinner in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The bill? 5.5 million kronor.

» Updated: 02 August 2024, 15:03

» Published: 02 August 2024

The bill for Macron's state dinner: 5.5 million
Photo: Benoit Tessier/AP/TT

Blue lobster, rose biscuits, and the exclusive wine Chateau Mouton Rothschild were on the menu when the French president hosted the British royal couple for dinner. The French delicacy foie gras, duck liver, had, however, been struck from the menu – King Charles has banned the specialty from British palaces due to the controversial manufacturing method.

Among the approximately 160 guests were Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger and actors Hugh Grant and Charlotte Gainsbourg. The wine bill alone came to nearly half a million kronor, according to Politico.

Record deficit

The dinner, which was the highlight of a three-day state visit, contributed to the Élysée Palace – the president's residence – recording a record deficit in 2023. This is shown by figures released by the country's highest audit authority.

The Élysée Palace's expenses, which include costs for administration, personnel, security, property management, and the president's diplomatic duties, reached a total of 125 million euros (approximately 1.4 billion kronor) last year, nearly 15 percent higher than in 2022.

But King Charles' banquet in the hall of mirrors is not the only dinner that drove up the palace's expenses. The report also mentions a banquet at the National Museum Louvre for Indian President Narendra Modi, which cost nearly 4.8 million kronor.

Some savings

However, the Élysée Palace is not only being criticized for its lavish parties. The French audit authority also noted that the palace has made some savings, including by using its own staff for cocktail parties with fewer than 100 guests, instead of hiring external catering.

In response to the report, the palace says in a statement:

"France has close diplomatic relations with a large number of countries, which arrange similar events when receiving the head of state."

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

At Least Two Dead in Russian Attack on Sumy
1 MIN READ

At Least Two Dead in Russian Attack on Sumy

Expert: Putin's robot attack a political marking
2 MIN READ

Expert: Putin's robot attack a political marking

Scattering Ashes at Machu Picchu – Security Tightened
1 MIN READ

Scattering Ashes at Machu Picchu – Security Tightened

Zelensky: Putin is testing you
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: Putin is testing you

Biden: ICC Order Scandalous
1 MIN READ

Biden: ICC Order Scandalous

Trump chooses new Justice Minister after resignation
1 MIN READ

Trump chooses new Justice Minister after resignation

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy
1 MIN READ

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz
1 MIN READ

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan
1 MIN READ

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt
1 MIN READ

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine
1 MIN READ

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex
2 MIN READ

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex

USA imposes new sanctions on Russia
1 MIN READ

USA imposes new sanctions on Russia

Russia significantly increases defense budget
1 MIN READ

Russia significantly increases defense budget

Foreign Minister: Sweden Supports the ICC's Work
2 MIN READ

Foreign Minister: Sweden Supports the ICC's Work

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation
2 MIN READ

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes
3 MIN READ

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault
2 MIN READ

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West
2 MIN READ

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order
1 MIN READ

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order