State Dinner - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, state dinners are usually hosted by the head of state, who is the British sovereign, currently Queen Elizabeth II. Traditionally all state dinners were held at Buckingham Palace because of its position in the heart of London. However, in recent years, banquets are more often held at Windsor Castle in Berkshire. Organisation of the state dinner usually falls to the Master of the Household with a seating plan confirmed both by the Queen and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. State dinners are usually held for visiting heads of state and are very elaborate; Royal Protocol is generally very strict but this has been played down over recent years. All speeches that are read are again checked and confirmed by the Foreign office, and amended. Gifts are exchanged by both parties.