King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the UK on Wednesday, marking the first state visit by a German leader in 27 years. The three-day visit underscores strengthened diplomatic ties between the nations and aims to reinforce the Kensington Treaty signed in July.
Prince William and Kate Middleton met Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender at Heathrow airport Wednesday morning before the group traveled to Windsor. The German president's plane, featuring the colors of the German flag, touched down in west London where Kate wore a blue coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and earrings that belonged to Princess Diana.
At Windsor, King Charles extended his arms wide upon seeing Steinmeier outside the train station. «It's so wonderful, your majesty, to see you again», the German president responded. The Princess of Wales performed a double curtsey for the King and Queen.
The formal welcome featured a ceremonial procession through Windsor's streets to the castle. More than 850 military personnel and 150 horses supported the ceremony over three days. A 41-gun salute fired from Windsor Home Park at midday as the royals greeted their guests. The streets were lined with German and Union flags, guarded by troops from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
State banquet and royal protocol
The King and Steinmeier traveled in the Irish State Coach, while Camilla and Budenbender used the Australian State Coach. William and Kate rode with German officials in the Scottish State Coach. A state banquet takes place Wednesday evening in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle, decorated with a six-meter Christmas tree featuring 3,000 lights.
State visits have temporarily moved from Buckingham Palace to Windsor for the next few years due to ongoing renovation work at the London royal residence. This represents the fifth German state visit to the UK since 1958.
Diplomatic agenda
Thursday morning, the German delegation will privately lay flowers at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in St George's Chapel before joining the King and Queen for a Big Help Out reception. The visit includes a parliamentary address, a meeting with the Prime Minister at Downing Street, and visits to meet German Premier League footballers at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Steinmeier will receive an honorary degree from Oxford University and view medical technology and joint UK-German research projects. Budenbender plans to visit Judith Kerr Primary School in south-east London. The visit also includes viewing the David Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse.
The UK government hopes to secure increased German cooperation on stopping illegal migration. Attention will focus on King Charles's statements regarding Ukraine, following his remarks during his 2023 state visit to Germany where he spoke about supporting the country.
Symbolic reconciliation
The German president will visit the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, a gesture mirroring King Charles's wreath-laying in Hamburg during the UK's state visit to Germany. The cathedral was bombed during the Second World War. The visit references German roots of Christmas traditions, including the Christmas tree popularized by Queen Victoria's German-born husband Prince Albert.
Before the formal farewell, guests will be shown the State Sleigh designed by Prince Albert in 1845. Queen Camilla wore a sapphire and diamond brooch once belonging to Queen Victoria for the welcome ceremony.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
