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King Charles and Queen Camilla of the British Royal Family are on a three-day visit to France, where the French President Emmanuel Macron will be hosting a state banquet at the Chateau de Versailles to honour the British Royals. However, reports suggest that a certain French delicacy has been banned from the menu by King Charles due to a number of reasons. The dish, Foie Gras served with delicate truffles, will therefore no be served to the British Royals on their French visit.
Reports suggest that Foie Gras with truffles was a French delicacy that was particularly enjoyed by King Charles’ mother and predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II. In fact, while on her own French state visits, the late Queen is said to have enjoyed the French dish immensely. However, reports now suggest that King Charles’ Royal retinue has now banned the dish from being served while on his visit to France, where he will be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and then head off to Bordeaux.
Laurent Stefanini, the former head of protocol to the French Republic has reportedly told news outlets that the exclusion of Foie Gras from King Charles’ banquet menu shocked many, especially since the dish was so loved by Queen Elizabeth II. Speculations reveal that this exclusion of Foie Gras could be because the dish is associated with animal cruelty.
For those unaware, Foie Gras is made with the liver of a duck or goose which has been fattened to give a melt-in-the-mouth texture and umami taste. A well-known French delicacy, Foie Gras has recently been mired in controversy due to the fact that the making of the dish includes force-feeding ducks and geese until they have a fatty liver. This apart, the bird flu epidemic that has been sweeping across Europe has also put a dent on the production of Foie Gras in France. While the exact reasons are not yet known, these theories about Foie Gras exclusion from King Charles’ French visit are now doing the rounds.
So, if not Foie Gras, what will King Charles and Queen Camilla be eating when hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron? A Reuters report reveals that handpicked French chefs will be presenting the British monarch with the best of French cuisine. Three Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic will prepare a Blue Lobster Crab dish with fresh almonds and peppermint veil. Chef Yannick Alleno will create a Bresse Chicken with corn and a Porcini mushroom gratin. Chef Pierre Herme will be serving Isfahan Persian Macaroons with rose water, raspberries and lychees. Stichelton, a blue cheese similar to Stilton, will also be served at the state banquet.
