A State Banquet for approximately 170 people is held on the first night of a State Visit. Since 1914 State Banquets in London have traditionally been held in the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace.

Preparations for the banquet begin several weeks in advance, as the porcelain, glass and silver-gilt are cleaned, the damask tablecloths, napkins and doilies are pressed and the wine selected.

Catch a glimpse of the preparation process here: