State Banquets

http://clients.westminster-digital.co.uk/royal/StateBanquetsBB.wvx

Transcript:

The Queen gives a State Banquet in honour of each overseas Head of State who visits the United Kingdom. Here, The Queen is seen with President Putin of the Russian Federation.

Following a reception in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace, guests are seated and the Royal procession makes its way into the Ballroom, where the banquet is held. The procession is led by The Queen and the visiting Head of State and is preceded by the Lord Chamberlain and the Lord Steward.

Guests invited to State Banquets include political and religious leaders, diplomatic figures and others who have a connection with the visiting country.

Flower arrangements created by the Master's department adorn the Ballroom and gold plate is displayed around the room. Guests eat off antique china from the Royal Collection and drink from crystal glasses made for The Queen's Coronation in 1953.

At the beginning of dinner, The Queen makes a speech and proposes the health of  the visiting Head of State, who then replies and proposes The Queen's health. After both Heads of State have spoken, dinner is served.

A memorable occasion for all who attend, the State Banquet plays an important part in building relationships between Britain and other countries.'