11 uniquely strict state banquet rules King Charles has to follow

Royal banquets during the state visits of the different heads of state arriving in the UK are always a grand affair. Leaders from around the world and a large number of high-profile dignitaries and aristocrats meet with the monarch during one of the main talking points of a state visit.

Tonight, King Charles will host his first state banquet of the year at Windsor Castle, in honour of France's president, Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte. The event is steeped in tradition and protocols for each of the heads of state visiting the country.

But there are certain rules and precautions ahead of and during a state banquet that even King Charles must follow, and here, the Express looks at 11 of them.

The monarch inspects the banquet table the afternoon before the actual event takes place alongside the Master of the Household. The current Master is Vice Admiral Sir Anthony Johnstone-Burt, who has held the role since 2013.

State banquets take six months to prepare and three days for staff just to lay the table.

The horse-shoe shaped table has particular settings, with napkins being folded like a Dutch bonnet, while there are six glasses for each person including ones for water, red and white wines, dessert wine and one for the toast.

Members of the Palace staff have a traffic light system to co-ordinate courses.

Staffers also have to go through tough security checks at a police station before the banquet.

Serving plans are illustrated by details diagrams, while there are lists for dietary requirements and requests for any of the guests and hosts.

7. The dress code is formal and national dress can also be worn.
8. The British royals wear sashes and badges known as orders.
9. Speeches take place before the meal and are then followed by a toast and national anthems.
10. While the late Queen Elizabeth was known to be a fast eater, it was also reported that her guests would have to stop eating when she finished her meal. It is unclear if the same rule applies to Charles's reign.
11. The banquet ends with 12 pipers processing round the room.