The King and Queen of the United Kingdom hosted a remarkable black-tie dinner at their Gloucestershire estate, Highgrove, to celebrate Italian cuisine. The royal couple, along with a prestigious guest list including Victoria and David Beckham, Dame Helen Mirren, Donatella Versace, Edward Enninful, and Stanley Tucci, enjoyed a night of culinary excellence and sustainability.
A Star-studded Guest List
Among the distinguished guests was Italian-American actor and food enthusiast Stanley Tucci, who has long been an advocate for Italy’s rich culinary traditions. Other notable attendees included renowned fashion designer Donatella Versace, actress Dame Helen Mirren, and businessman and TV personality Patrick Grant, as well as several Michelin-starred chefs.
A Menu Inspired by Tucci’s Heart of Italy
The dinner menu, created by the talented Italian chef Francesco Mazzei, featured a unique blend of Italian flavors using local British ingredients. The menu was influenced by Tucci’s TV series Tucci – The Heart of Italy, showcasing traditional Italian recipes with a modern, sustainable twist.
Reception Dishes
Guests enjoyed a selection of appetizers, including rare and pasture salumi, Tuscan-style pâté, Yorkshire pecorino cheese puffs, and British vegetable caponata tartelletta.
Main Course Delights
The dinner featured a delectable selection of dishes, including Scottish crab panzanella, Westcombe ricotta and Highgrove fine herbs ravioli, Isle of Wight tomato passata, Suffolk red porchetta, and pumpkin and sage mash. For dessert, guests savored Tuscan kale zuppa inglese and biscotti.
The Slow Food Philosophy
The event emphasized the principles of slow food, an initiative that promotes sustainable and locally sourced cuisine while preserving regional food traditions. The slow food movement, founded in 1986, was championed by the King, who has long supported efforts to promote good, clean, and fair food. The evening also highlighted “slow fashion,” with the King and Queen meeting students from the King’s Foundation to explore sustainable fashion practices.
A Toast to Sustainability
The King himself tried his hand at making martinis under the guidance of Italian mixologist Alessandro Palazzi. The cocktails featured flavors inspired by Italy and herbs from the royal gardens at Highgrove. The martini recipe included Sacred English vermouth, Polish vodka, and Gordon’s gin, shaken to perfection and served chilled.
A Momentous Occasion
This intimate celebration of Italian cuisine was a fitting tribute to the King’s passion for sustainability, food culture, and supporting local traditions. It also marked a special moment ahead of the royal couple’s upcoming state visit to Italy and the Vatican in April, where they will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their marriage and meet Pope Francis.
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