- Lobster was a huge cost to the government
In September 2023, under high security measures and with a lavish state banquet at the Palace of Versailles, King Charles III (75) and Queen Camilla (77) made a three-day state visit to France. Not quite a year later, it was revealed how high the bill was for French President Emmanuel Macron (46) to dine with the British monarch. According to the BBC, the French Court of Auditors has now announced that the opulent feast cost Macron 475,000 euros.
In its annual report on the presidential budget, the Cour des Comptes stated that higher spending on state receptions had contributed to a deficit of 8.3 million euros. The Élysée Palace must now "make significant efforts to restore and maintain the financial balance of the presidency."
Lobster, Crab, Chicken, Mushroom Gratin, Macarons
But why were the costs so high? At the state banquet at the Palace of Versailles, it wasn't just Charles and Camilla alongside the French president, but also an illustrious round of stars and prominent personalities. Among the guests in September were actors Hugh Grant (63), football coach and functionary Arsène Wenger (74), and Rolling Stones member Mick Jagger (81). They all enjoyed a menu of blue lobster and crab, followed by Bresse chicken and mushroom gratin. There was also a cheese selection and rose macarons made from rose petal cream, strawberries, and lychees.
The new report from the French Court of Auditors also mentions other state receptions with high costs, such as the banquet for the Indian Prime Minister in July 2023 at the Louvre for 412,000 euros. The president's expenses have increased by 14 percent compared to the previous year, it said.
The revelation of the state banquet's costs sparked criticism, with some questioning if these excessive State costs were justified. As a result, the French government has been urged to reevaluate and potentially reduce expenditures on such events.
Furthermore, the report by the French Court of Auditors highlighted that these high State costs were partially attributable to entertaining high-profile guests, leading to increased expenses for extravagant menus and luxurious venues.
