King Charles has vowed that the UK and Germany will work together to “bolster Europe” and stand firm against the threat of further Russian aggression, as he welcomed German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Windsor Castle.
The state visit comes at a critical moment for Europe, with Russia’s war in Ukraine continuing to destabilise the region.
The visit also reinforces the Kensington treaty signed in July – the first formal agreement between the UK and Germany since the Second World War – outlining closer cooperation on migration, defence, trade and education.
Speaking at a state banquet, the king reflected on the turbulent history shared by the two nations. He said the UK and Germany had “experienced the darkest of times, and the most terrible consequences of conflict”, yet decades later “the acknowledgment of past suffering has become the basis for an honest friendship, renewed and redoubled”.
Charles highlighted “the shared values” and “shared vision for the future of our modern world”, stressing that the two nations “together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression”.
President Steinmeier, seated beside the Princess of Wales, praised the deepening partnership and said the two countries were “working together to strengthen once again the human ties that have been weakened by Brexit”. He echoed the king’s message on European security, saying: “We are working together to promote security and defence, side by side for a free, peaceful Europe, side by side in support of Ukraine.”
Steinmeier was welcomed earlier in the day with a 41-gun salute and military ceremony at Windsor Castle, followed by a carriage procession with the king and Queen Camilla. His three-day visit will also include a symbolic trip to the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, destroyed during the Second World War.
At 10 Downing Street, ahead of talks with the prime minister, Steinmeier said UK-German relations were in “far better shape” than during the “difficult” post-Brexit years, noting that global instability demands closer cooperation. Keir Starmer told him the two countries had “worked very, very closely on hugely important issues like Ukraine … on issues of migration and on economic growth and trade”.
The Windsor state banquet featured a festive atmosphere, with deep red poinsettias, red berries and mini fir trees. Guests dined on smoked trout, Windsor partridge and baked alaska, accompanied by a German white wine. High-profile attendees included Claudia Schiffer, Hans Zimmer, Motsi Mabuse and Axel Scheffler.
Royal traditions were also highlighted, with the Princess of Wales wearing Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara, designed by Prince Albert in 1853.
In the traditional exchange of gifts, the king presented the German president with a handmade walking stick and a decorative slipware plate. In return, Charles received an umbrella and a specially crafted cheese.
The visit was not without controversy. Campaign group Republic accused Thames Valley Police of restricting free speech after protesters were warned about holding a banner reading “Charles, what are you hiding?”. Police responded that they had “facilitated a peaceful protest”, asking protesters to stay within a designated area and avoiding loudhailers near horses.
