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Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos and his wife, Maria Clemencia Rodriguez de Santos, were treated to an incredible state dinner at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening.
Welcoming the couple, who are on a three-day state visit to Britain, the Queen invited her 170 VIP guests to charge their glasses.
The opulent evening took place in the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace.
Prince Philip, Colombia’s First Lady Maria Clemencia Rodriguez, Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos and Queen Elizabeth pose for a photo.
“Prince Philip and I are delighted to welcome you and Señora Clemencia Rodriguez de Santos to Buckingham Palace,” Her Majesty began as she addressed the room.
“It has been five years since we first met, during your last official visit to London, a city where you have previously studied and worked.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask you to rise and drink a toast to the President and Señora Rodriguez de Santos, and to the people of Colombia,” the monarch concluded.
WATCH: Everything you need to know about state banquets. Post continues after the video…
The Queen looked elegant in a sparkling gold, floor-length gown. She finished off her ensemble with a breathtaking sapphire crown and matching necklace and earrings.
The jewels were given to The Queen in 1947 from her father, King George VI, as a wedding present. She loved it so much, that in 1963 she commissioned the matching tiara.
Fans were given a rare glimpse into all the behind-the-scenes action that goes into preparing for such an extravagant event via the Royal Family’s Instagram account.
But perhaps the most important element in the lead up to a state dinner? Getting The Queen’s seal of approval on the entire layout.
Queen Elizabeth is well-known for her meticulous eye for detail and it was no exception on Monday evening with the 90-year-old reviewing the grand dining room before the event.
“The Queen inspects the table ahead of tonight’s #ColombiaStateVisit Banquet at Buckingham Palace,” the royal family’s Instagram account penned alongside a photo of The Queen doing a final check.
Meanwhile, the menu for the dinner was also released with guests being treated to a traditional British fare.
For the entree, guests were served a Turban of Dover Sole with Morecambe Bay shrimps in a light saffron cream.
Main was a pot-roasted Windsor estate pheasant with choucroute (pickled cabbage), port and truffle jus, sprouting broccoli and sable potatoes. And for a sweet ending, the attendees were offered a light mango and passion fruit cream entremet.
