Pineapple, a fruit that has been a symbol of wealth and hospitality at state banquets at Buckingham since the time of Charles II, has mysteriously disappeared from the menu of the last banquet offered by Charles III.
This event, organized in honor of the Emperors of Japan, Naruhito and Masako, during their recent visit to the United Kingdom, surprised many guests by the absence of this traditional fruit.
Why was there no pineapple at the last banquet offered by Charles III?
Traditionally, pineapple has been a staple at British royal banquets. In fact, it was present at the banquets offered to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in November 2003. On this occasion, however, there was no trace of the famous fruit.
British politician, Ed Davey, commented to GB News that the late Queen Elizabeth II used to offer “an extra pineapple dessert” to her guests.
He wondered if this change in the menu indicated a rethink in the reign of Charles III.
For Davey, the king preferred to spend that money on flowers, although he stressed that he probably spent a little more money on them than on pineapples.
On the other hand, The Telegraph suggests another theory. At the previous two banquets, four courses were included: a starter, a main course, a pudding and fruit.
However, at this banquet, it was decided to do away with the pineapple to allow guests more time to socialize after the meal. Instead of sitting around eating fruit, guests enjoyed petit fours, coffee and digestifs while chatting.
The elimination of pineapple from the menu could also be reflected in a new approach to table arrangements.
This time, small vases and bowls with sweet peas, peonies and roses were opted for, in addition to larger floral arrangements.
According to the same newspaper, the roses came from the gardens of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
This change in the state banquet menu not only highlights a possible preference of King Charles III for flowers over fruit, but could also signal a new direction in official events under his reign.