Security protocols at royal events are usually strict, however, when it comes to an official state visit, things get even trickier, according to a royal staffer. The Royal Family are bracing to host their first state visit of the year later today, which will take place at Windsor Castle, due to refurbishment works at Buckingham Palace.
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, will soon arrive at RAF Northolt to begin their three-day trip, which will include a glittering state banquet tonight at Windsor Castle. And according to a former royal chef, staff have likely had to undergo some very strict security procedures ahead of the major event.
Graham Tinsley, former royal chef and manager of the Welsh Culinary Team, has previously opened up on catering for the Royal Family during royal event, including state visits.
He claimed that if heads of state were visiting the UK, the security was “really tight”, unlike normally, when they wouldn’t even notice them.
Speaking about an event he worked at in Wales, he told Hello! Magazine: “If we were catering for a Heads of State banquet, then all the catering staff would have to meet at a police station and get a motorcycle ride into Cardiff Castle.”
All royal staff, including the chefs and their kits, have to be searched thoroughly ahead of the banquet.
He explained: “For higher calibre banquets, we’re required to put all our food, containers, knives and kitchen equipment through an X-ray machine whilst motorcycles then drove us into the castle.”
Mr Tinsley revealed that some banquets even have unique code names to “protect their security”.
“Some banquets even had code names to protect their security!” said Graham.
Tonight’s banquet for Mr Macron will be held at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall. The King and French President will both deliver speeches at the banquet.