Guest List Revealed: White House State Dinner in Honor of Australian Prime Minister

The White House released the guest list for the state dinner honoring Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Notable attendees included Australian performers Vance Joy and Kid Laroi, as well as actor John Leguizamo. Other guests of significance included North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, President Joe Biden's campaign co-chair and Hollywood magnate Jeffrey Katzenberg, NBC News journalist Andrea Mitchell, Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, AT&T CEO John Stankey, and Republican Senators John Thune and James Risch.

Notably absent from the guest list were President Biden's son, Hunter, despite the presence of several other Biden family members such as granddaughters Naomi, Finnegan, and Maisy, sister Valerie, and nephew Cuffe. Hunter Biden had previously attended the state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June, which marked his first public appearance after news of his plea deal with federal prosecutors on tax charges emerged. However, this plea deal subsequently fell through, and earlier this month, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to three firearms charges brought by special counsel David Weiss. These charges include allegations of lying on federal firearm forms and possessing a firearm unlawfully while using illegal drugs.

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden cordially greet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon at the North Portico of the White House. The occasion is a State Dinner in Washington, where the leaders and their companions engage in diplomatic discussions. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Evan Vucci/AP

Members of The B-52s, of "Love Shack" fame, will attend the dinner as guests after their scheduled performance at the dinner was canceled on Tuesday.

First lady Dr. Jill Biden announced on Tuesday that there have been adjustments made to the entertainment portion of the evening, as many individuals are currently experiencing sorrow and pain. The announcement was made during a preview of the decor and dishes for the state dinner, the fourth to be held at the Biden White House, with the participation of White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo.

Place settings are displayed during an Australian State Dinner media preview in the State Dining Room of the White House on October 24, 2023 in Washington, DC.

For the event decor, Biden drew inspiration from the dynamic combination of the Australian spring and the American autumn, reflecting the changing seasons on our beautiful landscape. The first lady enlisted the assistance of Bryan Rafanelli, the event planner who skillfully executed her granddaughter Naomi's wedding at the White House last year, to create an exquisite atmosphere and enhance the guest experience.

The first lady collaborated with Chef Katie Button, a nominee for the James Beard Award and owner of the renowned tapas restaurant Cúrate in Asheville, North Carolina. Also joining them were White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison. The complete guest list was released by the White House.

The menu was created by the first lady in collaboration with Chef Katie Button, a James Beard Award nominee and owner of the renowned tapas restaurant Cúrate in Asheville, North Carolina. Assisting her in this endeavor were the White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison.