Partridge and pageantry: What's on the menu at the state banquet?

German actress and model Claudia Schiffer is among the guests at tonight’s glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle.

The banquet is being held in honour of the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife Elke Büdenbender, who are in the UK for a three-day state visit.

Schiffer, whose place setting is under her married name of Lady Vaughn, is also a part of the Royal Procession into St George’s Hall, and she is sitting next to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the dinner.

The King and Queen hosted the German President and his wife at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening. / Credit: PA

Other famous faces from Germany who are attending include Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, composer Hans Zimmer, and former footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse, who lives in Germany, and Lioness Georgia Stanway, who plays for Bayern Munich, are also amongst the 152 guests.

Wednesday’s banquet is thought to be the first in modern times to feature a Christmas tree. / Credit: PA

St George’s Hall has a festive feel for the banquet and features a 20ft Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree with 15,000 lights, which are topped with a Garter Star.

It is thought to be the first time in recent history that a state banquet has included a Christmas tree.

The 45-metre table is also dressed with seasonal flowers and foliage, including giant Poinsettias, Mistletoe and Red Berries.

The dining table was decorated with festive plants, with places for both the King and president of Germany set next to each other. / Credit: PA

As in tradition in the new reign, a special cocktail has been created by a mixologist to celebrate the visit as a symbol “of the friendship and kinship between nations.”

The Schwarzwald Martini is said to blend the richness of a clarified dark chocolate martini with the vibrant sweetness of Grants Morella Cherry Brandy to evoke the layers of a classic Black Forest Gateau.

The menu, traditionally written in French, featured trout, langoustine, partridge and a Baked Alaska. / Credit: PA

Guests will also enjoy a menu of:

Open Tartlet of Hot Smoked Trout with Langoustines, Quail Eggs and Shellfish Sauce
Windsor Partridge Supreme wrapped in Puff Pastry with Confit Cabbage and Port Sauce, Ecrasé, Crushed Carrots and Swede, Assortment of Winter Vegetables
Baked Alaska with Blackberry, Vanilla and Raspberry Ice Creams
Coffee and Petit Fours

The red wine from 1995 has been selected in honour of the year the president and his wife were married.

Tracks composed by guest Hans Zimmer will also be played – including music from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and Gladiator.