King Charles III just hosted an extravagant State Banquet at Windsor Castle. He shared the stage with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, underscoring the importance of his ascendance to the international stage. The banquet was held on a Wednesday night. It took an elaborate four days of preparation that involved extensive orchestration and attention to detail.
The splendid event featured the famous Waterloo Table. It takes a team of ten people four days to rig it up and install it in St George’s Hall. This table is meant to seat 162 people, a reminder of the opulence tied to the tradition of royal feasts. The menu for the evening consisted of three to four courses, carefully sourced from local suppliers, including produce from royal farms and greenhouses located within Windsor Castle.
Just ahead of the high-profile event, King Charles III paid a more personal visit to Ethel Caterham. The 116-year-old resident of a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, was delighted by the royal visit. This meeting was perfectly timed, coming on the heels of President Trump’s historic state visit. It was certainly a notable moment as Ethel is now the world’s oldest living person after the passing of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas earlier in April.
In her sparkling conversation with the Prince, Ethel Caterham recalled her younger days when she idolized the Prince. She went on to inform King Charles that “all the girls were in love with you,” to which the King of course replied with a roguish smile.
“Yes well, all that’s left of him anyway.” – King Charles III
Their conversation opened up discussion about Ethel’s wonderful memories of going to a Royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in the 1960s. Present during the visit was Kate Henderson, who recalled Ethel’s affection for Prince Charles, stating, “You were saying that the other day, weren’t you? You said ‘Prince Charles was so handsome. All the girls were in love with him.’”
At the conclusion of their meeting, they presented Gov. It wished Ethel a happy centenary—on her 100th birthday—a nice coincidence considering their royal connection. Since turning 100, King Charles III and the late Queen Elizabeth II have sent Ethel a string of 17 birthday cards. This beautiful gesture reveals the unique bond they’ve formed with her.
Ethel Caterham’s visit with King Charles III is a clear example—there’s nothing like this visit to convey warmth and personal connection. In troubling contrast, the formality of the State Banquet demonstrates his commitment on this front to uphold his royal responsibilities. His laughter and engagement during these interactions underscore the human side of monarchy amid ceremonial obligations.
