2023-09-22 21:22:56
It was “very magical”, “the decor is incredible”, “you feel like you are in a movie”, this is how the invitees to the King of England’s table in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles described the luxurious party organized by French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday night in honor of the King. Charles III visits France.
In a legendary scene, Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla arrived at the palace and entered against the backdrop of classical music while all the guests were standing, according to a video clip published by the English media.
Then a short concert by the young Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich was held shortly before dinner began in the Royal Chapel.
The British King sat next to the President of the Republic, Queen Camilla also sat next to Macron, while Brigitte took her place to the right of Charles III.
It seems that receiving a head of state in Versailles is a republican tradition, but the way in which Macron opened the doors of the castle of Louis XIV to Charles III is full of symbols and heavy with meanings.
Symbolism of the Palace of Versailles
In his statement to Sky News Arabia, the political communication specialist at the Institute of Political Sciences, Philippe Moreau-Chevrolet, said, “The choice of the Palace of Versailles to organize this official dinner was not a precedent. Since his first term in 2017, Emmanuel Macron has expressed his desire to give a royal character to the event.” Official receptions of foreign presidents, starting with the reception of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Versailles. This is an affirmation of strength and a reminder of France’s prestige in the past.”
Philippe added, “Many of Macron’s positions show that the president has a royal style and practice. With this step, he is trying to legitimize his power by strengthening French traditions and taking pride in monuments, architecture, and palaces, especially since there is confusion in France between admiration for the practice of an ideal and sometimes revolutionary republic.” And fascination with the royal model.”
Fine dishes and elite guests
In addition to the symbolism of the Palace of Versailles, Philippe considers that the menu of French luxury dishes that were served in “Sevres porcelain” and placed on a huge sixty-meter table in the Hall of Mirrors and prepared by distinguished chefs also had “a strong symbolic dimension. It gives a positive image of France.” At the international level, creating an image with international stars shows the attractiveness of the country.”
According to what was covered by the French media, the most prominent dishes were blue lobster, rose pasta, chicken bris gaultoise, or what is known as the chicken of kings, and bottles of wine at a price of 800 euros, and they were eaten alongside the king by an elite group of celebrities from the world of culture, politics, economics and sports from France. In Britain, their number was estimated at about 150 guests.
The King of Britain addresses the Parliament of France and confirms the depth of friendship with Paris
double-edged sword
His appearance in this way may be a double-edged sword, and offering a lavish dinner is a risky matter for President Macron.
In this regard, Philippe says: “This scene could arouse sympathy for Macron, as it is possible that he could benefit from the level of his popularity, which has recently declined due to current events, from pension reform to riots, by relying on the popularity of Charles III as a starting point for restoring… Linking with public opinion and re-legitimizing oneself.”
On the other hand, Philippe warned, “The message could be received negatively depending on the way the French media handles the issue, because it was sent in a way that contradicts the daily lives of the French. Many suffer from weak purchasing power and high prices, and there are long queues of students in front of food banks.”
By making this choice, Macron is following in the footsteps of the republican tradition. For a long time, it was the custom in the Fifth Republic to receive heads of state in Versailles, from Charles de Gaulle to Valery Giscard d’Estaing, through Georges Pompidou. Then this tradition was abandoned after François Mitterrand.
According to French media, King Charles III himself requested to be received at the Palace of Versailles, especially since his mother, Queen Elizabeth, was the only one who was received twice in this palace.
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