All eyes are on Buckingham Palace tonight as royals are opening the neoclassical-style mansion for the last State Banquet until 2027. The royal family is honoring the Emir of Qatar, Seikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher, and hosting around 150 distinguished guests (including David and Victoria Beckham). This grand affair marks the first evening of a state visit—a formal visit to the United Kingdom to strengthen country relations—by a foreign head of state. Barring the many firsts and lasts of this evening, it’s the opulent backdrop that we’re oggling over.

The historic Ballroom serves as the perfect backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Designed by Sir James Pennethorne, it was completed in 1855 during the reign of Queen Victoria and is the largest of the State Rooms, complete with historic thrones from King Edward VII’s 1902 coronation and a triumphal arch adorned with winged figures symbolizing History and Fame. 

The meticulous preparation began weeks in advance, with the Palace’s Master of the Household’s department orchestrating every detail. The centerpiece is a 165-foot horseshoe shaped dining table, adorned with more than 100 silver-gilt candelabras and seasonal floral arrangements in deep crimson, honoring Qatar’s national colors. The legendary Grand Service, a collection of over 4,000 silver-gilt pieces originally commissioned by George IV, required eight people and three weeks of polishing to achieve its spectacular shine. 

The Royal Chef is responsible for devising the menu for a State Banquet, which traditionally consists of four courses. There are two savoury courses, followed by pudding and dessert. For this particular banquet, the menu honors both British tradition and cultural considerations, offering a halal selection that includes a tartlet of Cornish Lobster and Quails Eggs, followed by Supreme of Windsor Pheasant wrapped in Savoy cabbage. A creative “Royal Mirage” mocktail, featuring smoked pomegranate and ginger with black lime garnish, was specifically crafted for non-drinking guests. 

Britain’s King Charles III and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in London on December 3, 2024, on the first day of the Emir’s two-day State Visit to Britain. The Emir of Qatar and his wife are in the UK for a two-day State Visit, hosted by Britain’s King.

Queen Camilla made a striking appearance in a red velvet evening dress by Fiona Clare, paired with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond kokoshnik tiara—a tribute to her mother-in-law. Her ensemble was completed with diamond earrings from her private collection, Queen Elizabeth’s necklace, and a ruby and diamond bracelet, along with the family orders of both Queen Elizabeth and King Charles.

The finishing touches are applied to seasonal flowers, by a royal florist, to the tables in the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace, London prior to the State Banquet.

The Princess of Wales’s presence earlier in the day at the ceremonial welcome marked one of her most significant public appearances since beginning cancer treatment. Kate, who joined Prince William in greeting the Qatari royals, looked elegant in a coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and a hat by Sahar Millinery, accessorized with a pearl necklace that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. While she participated in the daytime events and carriage procession, she will not attend tonight’s banquet as she continues her gradual return to royal duties following the completion of her chemotherapy treatment in September.

Nonetheless, the evening’s guest list sparkled with notable figures, including David and Victoria Beckham, with David’s invitation stemming from his role as Qatar World Cup ambassador. 

Victoria and David Beckham make their way along the East Gallery to attend the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.

The banquet marks the last such event at Buckingham Palace for two years, as the historic residence prepares for extensive renovations. In true royal fashion, even the flowers found purpose beyond their decorative role—they’ll be donated to hospices and care homes through Floral Angels, a charity championed by Queen Camilla.

Julia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE DECOR, where she manages the brand’s social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Her eye for emerging styles helps bring the latest in interior design to ELLE DECOR’s audience across platforms. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, design, and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.