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King Charles, Queen Camilla, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales, have formally welcomed the German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife, Elke Budenbender, to the United Kingdom for an official state visit. Marking the first German state visit to the UK in nearly three decades, the arrival was celebrated in Windsor under clear winter skies, with a ceremonial parade featuring marching bands and a carriage ride to the castle.
The three-day visit is designed to enhance diplomatic relations by showcasing a blend of tradition, politics, and cultural exchange. Throughout the stay, President Steinmeier’s schedule includes a range of significant events such as a state banquet, an address to the UK Parliament, a meeting with the Prime Minister at Downing Street, and a visit to German football players active in the Premier League. German flags adorned Windsor High Street during the ceremonial procession, where the King and the German president traveled together, accompanied by Prince William and Catherine. Notably, Catherine wore earrings that once belonged to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
During the official welcome, the visiting dignitaries observed a military parade on Windsor Castle’s grounds. Meanwhile, the anti-monarchy group Republic criticized the police for restricting their protest activities along the procession route, condemning it as an infringement on free speech. In contrast, Thames Valley Police stated they had facilitated a peaceful protest, relocating demonstrators to a designated area and limiting loudhailers near horses for safety reasons. They emphasized that no arrests occurred and affirmed their commitment to balancing the right to protest with public and animal safety.
The visit also serves to reinforce the recent Kensington Treaty between the UK and Germany, highlighting military collaboration, business partnerships, and infrastructural projects such as plans for a direct rail connection. Additionally, the UK government seeks increased German cooperation in tackling illegal migration, particularly because some equipment used in Channel crossings has been found stored in Germany. Beyond political discussions, symbolic gestures like the exchange of gifts between King Charles and the German president are planned, alongside speeches at a state banquet in Windsor’s St George’s Hall, with some remarks expected to be delivered in German.
Attention is also drawn to the historical context of the visit. Last year, King Charles spoke in Germany about supporting Ukraine, and observers will monitor his comments regarding the ongoing conflict during this visit. Comparisons have been made to the previous state visit by US President Trump, who opted for a helicopter arrival and departure to avoid protests and did not participate in a public carriage ride. Looking ahead to the festive season, the visit will include references to the German origins of certain Christmas traditions, such as the popularization of the Christmas tree by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German-born husband. Visitors will view an 1845 sleigh designed by Prince Albert, and there will be poignant moments of reconciliation, including Steinmeier’s visit to Coventry Cathedral’s ruins, bombed during World War II—a counterpart to King Charles’s wreath-laying in Hamburg during the earlier UK state visit to Germany.
Cultural and educational engagements also form part of the itinerary. President Steinmeier is set to receive an honorary degree from Oxford University and explore joint UK-German medical research projects. Ms. Budenbender will visit Judith Kerr Primary School in London, honoring the German-born author of the beloved children’s book “The Tiger Who Came to Tea.” The German delegation will also visit the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to meet German Premier League footballers and explore the David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse, showcasing memorabilia related to the iconic pop star
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