The secrets of a royal state visit - and what you may have missed during Macron's stay

Nothing showcases royalty like a state visit, with resplendent marching bands, spectacular carriage processions, a glittering state banquet and hundreds of adoring crowds. But what made last week's welcome for French President Emmanuel Macron so special was that the ceremonial events were showcased at Windsor instead of Monarchy HQ (Buckingham Palace).

Due to the major refurbishment works at the London residence, all state visits will take place at Windsor Castle until 2027. This means Donald Trump will also receive a royal red carpet welcome at the Berkshire residence later this year.

Having the ceremonial splendour at a new location felt different to the state visits of old. It felt more intimate, especially the welcome in the enclosed quadrangle.

Perhaps I'm biased, as I consider Windsor Castle to be one of the most magnificent royal buildings, with its stunning architecture, luxurious state rooms and spectacular views of Windsor Great Park.

The magic and grandeur of the castle were only heightened when walking through the grounds after the banquet speeches had concluded at twilight.

The setting sun illuminated the 11th-century building, as the royal standard flew in the gentle summer breeze. And the beauty of Windsor was only heightened by the blossoming friendship between the Macrons and the King and Queen.

As the King delivered his speech, the French President looked affectionately at his host, smiling and laughing in all the right places. The gaze reflected two days of long handshakes, Gallic charm and "la bise" kisses. But it wasn't just friendship that was cemented, but the ever-closer bond between our two nations post-Brexit.

The visit's significance lay in its political implications, as Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Macron came together to realign their interests and find a solution to the small boat crossings. After the successful three-day trip across the pond, it's plain for all to see that the Entente Cordiale was sealed with more than just a kiss.

Radiant in red, the Princess of Wales dazzled at Tuesday night's state banquet as she put on a tiara for the first time in almost two years.

Kate's attendance at the white-tie dinner was only confirmed hours beforehand, as the royal continues to take each day as it comes during her long recovery from last year's chemotherapy.

She was well and truly the belle of the ball in the gorgeous red silk gown with caped back detailing designed by Sarah Burton for Givenchy.

The impressive Lover's Knot Tiara perfectly complemented the look. And her beauty appeared to capture the attention of the French President, who was spotted winking at her as the two sat beside each other at the perfectly polished banquet table.

Wimbledon is not only one of the highlights in the sporting and summer calendar, but in the royal diary as well. The Queen, a long-time tennis fan, ensured she had a front row seat for Wednesday's Quarter Finals action, having rushed to SW19 after conducting engagements in Windsor and Buckingham Palace earlier that morning.

She was accompanied by her sister, Annabel Elliot, as she met Wimbledon staff and chatted to Novak Djokovic. Today, we can expect some thrilling action as the finals get under way, with the Princess of Wales set to present the trophy to the Men's Winner.

It is hoped that her daughter, 10-year-old Princess Charlotte, will accompany her as in previous years. I know I'll be watching from home, with a glass of Pimms and a bowl of strawberries and cream that won't result in the remortgaging of my flat.

Since her cancer battle, the Princess of Wales has shouted from the rooftops about the importance of spending time in nature for your wellbeing.

"Nature has been my sanctuary," she says, hailing the role the outdoors can play for healing our "mind, body and spirit".

And I can attest to the benefits. A wellness retreat in the Essex countryside was one of the best things to quieten my own spiralling thoughts after taking some time out from the royal beat recently. I started my day with a walk in neighbouring fields, a cold-water dip in an outdoor pond, and reading my book as the birds chirped in the background.

The time I spent at the Glass House Retreat made me realise firsthand exactly why the Princess has chosen to advocate the benefits of spending time in the natural world.