This week, the British royal family are getting an extra dose of joie de vivre, as they welcome President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron for an official state visit—the first time a French leader has accepted a formal invitation from the British monarchy in almost two decades.

Of course, when it comes to hosting, the royal family pulls out all the stops, and their guests of honor have already been treated to an elaborate welcome ceremony, as well as an official State Banquet, where black-tie style and luxury was on full display.

King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the evening, and they were joined by other members of the family, including Princess Kate, (wearing a design in her go-to designer Sarah Burton), Prince William, Princess Anne, Duchess Sophie, and Prince Edward. Meanwhile, there were a few surprise appearances from other notable figures like Elton John and his partner David Furnish.

But while the guest list remained tight, you can get a peek inside the glamorous evening below, where we rounded up all the best photos from the French State Banquet.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales

windsor, england july 08: prince william, prince of wales and catherine, princess of wales attend the state banquet at windsor castle on july 08, 2025 in windsor, england. president emmanuel macron and mrs brigitte macron visit the uk in the first visit state visit made by france in 17 years. they are staying at windsor castle, hosted by king charles iii and queen camilla, and a banquet will be held there in their honour. the macrons will visit imperial college, and the president will address parliament during his stay. (photo by chris jackson/getty images)

Chris Jackson

Queen Camilla, King Charles III, France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron

queen camilla, by france's president emmanuel macron.s king charles iii, france's president emmanuel macron and his wife brigitte macron

Chris Jackson

King Charles III and Queen Camilla

king charles iii and queen camilla

Chris Jackson

Britain’s Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Britain’s Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

windsor, england july 8: sophie, duchess of edinburgh and prince edward, duke of edinburgh attend the state banquet for president of france emmanuel macron and his wife brigitte macron, at windsor castle on july 8, 2025 in windsor, england. president emmanuel macron and mrs brigitte macron visit the uk in the first visit state visit made by france in 17 years. they are staying at windsor castle, hosted by king charles iii and queen camilla, and a banquet will be held there in their honour. the macrons will visit imperial college, and the president will address parliament during his stay. (photo by aaron chown pool/getty images)

Pool

Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence

Formal event featuring elegantly dressed individuals in a grand interior

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Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester

windsor, england july 8: birgitte, duchess of gloucester and prince richard, duke of gloucester arrive for the state banquet for president of france emmanuel macron and his wife brigitte macron, at windsor castle on july 8, 2025 in windsor, england. president emmanuel macron and mrs brigitte macron visit the uk in the first visit state visit made by france in 17 years. they are staying at windsor castle, hosted by king charles iii and queen camilla, and a banquet will be held there in their honour. the macrons will visit imperial college, and the president will address parliament during his stay. (photo by aaron chown pool/getty images)

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Elton John and husband David Furnish

windsor, england july 8: elton john and husband david furnish attend the state banquet for president of france emmanuel macron and his wife brigitte macron, at windsor castle on july 8, 2025 in windsor, england. president emmanuel macron and mrs brigitte macron visit the uk in the first visit state visit made by france in 17 years. they are staying at windsor castle, hosted by king charles iii and queen camilla, and a banquet will be held there in their honour. the macrons will visit imperial college, and the president will address parliament during his stay. (photo by aaron chown pool/getty images)

Pool

windsor, england july 08: a general view of the state banquet at windsor castle on july 08, 2025 in windsor, england. president emmanuel macron and mrs brigitte macron visit the uk in the first visit state visit made by france in 17 years. they are staying at windsor castle, hosted by king charles iii and queen camilla, and a banquet will be held there in their honour. the macrons will visit imperial college, and the president will address parliament during his stay. (photo by chris jackson/getty images)

Chris Jackson

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