King Charles has come under fire for his recent decision to enlist renowned French chef Raymond Blanc to assist in preparing the state banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to the UK.
While the move was intended to reflect the spirit of Franco-British cooperation, former royal chef Darren McGrady has slammed the decision as a “huge slap in the face” to the Royal Household's own culinary team.
Blanc, a Michelin-starred chef with a longstanding relationship with the King and an ambassador for The King's Foundation, was reportedly invited to contribute to the menu by preparing the first course and dessert alongside palace chefs.
In an interview with Mail Online, McGrady — who previously served as personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and Princes William and Harry — expressed his disapproval.
“I get that Raymond Blanc is one of the best chefs in the world, and I get that he is a King’s Foundation ambassador, and I get that the collaboration is in the spirit of Entente Cordiale — but it’s a huge slap in the face to the palace’s royal chefs,” McGrady said.
He further noted the apparent imbalance in diplomatic culinary exchanges, adding, “For sure, Macron will not be bringing in British chefs for a King Charles state visit to France.”
According to The Mirror, Blanc was brought in to assist with designing and executing the first course and dessert, while the main course was left to Mark Flanagan, head chef of the Royal Household.
The decision, while symbolic of cross-cultural unity, has sparked debate over the recognition and respect shown to the palace’s longstanding culinary team.
