King Charles's White House state dinner included a $28 wine and beehive-shaped dessert; here’s what else was served

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted King Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House for a grand state dinner during the British monarch’s official US visit on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, drawing attention not only for the king’s Congress speech but also for the carefully curated royal menu.

The high-profile evening came as King Charles, 77 and the Queen, 78 sought to reinforce the long-standing political, cultural, and historical ties between the United Kingdom and the United States amid diplomatic tensions and global concerns surrounding the US-Israeli war in Iran.

The White House said the event was designed to honor the “special relationship” between the two nations, while Melania Trump personally oversaw preparations for the formal dinner to mark 250 years of independence.

King Charles’s state dinner menu: What was served?

The multi-course meal reflected a light ‘spring theme,’ featuring seasonal ingredients and produce from the White House Kitchen Garden. The first course featured a "delicate garden herb velouté, silken and aromatic, complemented by a refreshing hearts of palm salad." The White House added that the dish was finished with crispy shallots and "a whisper of micro mint for brightness and contrast."

For the second course, guests were served handcrafted spring herb ravioli made with ricotta, morels (mushrooms), and fresh herbs picked directly from the White House Kitchen Garden. The dish was dressed with "a light parmesan emulsion, which enhances the essence of the dish."

The main course followed with "a classic dover sole meunière, expertly prepared and bathed in a nutty brown butter." The fish was served alongside spring ramps, snow peas, pavé potatoes, and "a vibrant parsley oil."

The dessert course highlighted another White House signature ingredient, honey harvested from the presidential grounds.

Guests were served a beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau with vanilla bean crémeux custard, almond joconde, brown butter crumble, crème fraîche ice cream and White House honey.

Wines Chosen to Celebrate US-UK Friendship

According to the White House, the wines were selected to honor "the shared heritage and enduring friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom, and [celebrate] the strength of American winemaking today."

The pairings included the Hopkins Riesling “Heritage” 2024 by Hopkins Vineyards, which was listed at only $28.00 on the website; the Penner-Ash Pinot Noir “Willamette Valley” 2022 by Penner-Ash Wine Cellars; and the Newton Chardonnay “Unfiltered” 2022 by Newton Vineyard.

Decor and music for the royal evening

Unlike traditional state dinners held in the State Dining Room, this event took place in the East Room. The décor reflected the monarchs’ and the first couple’s "shared appreciation for gardens."

Guests entered through the Grand Foyer, decorated with cherry blossoms, while the East Room featured trees and greenery inspired by English gardens. Tables were arranged with spring blooms including lilac, butterfly ranunculus, phlox and lily of the valley.

The White House also used china services from both the Clinton and Bush administrations to "reflect the long and enduring friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom."

The evening concluded with performances by United States military musicians from the Marines, Army and Air Force, adding ceremonial grandeur to King Charles’ Congress visit and state dinner.