German president receives royal welcome during UK state visit

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was welcomed with grandeur by King Charles III on Wednesday, marking a rare state visit by a German head of state to the United Kingdom in decades. Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, were the guests of honor at an opulent dinner hosted by the King and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, concluding the first day of the three-day visit.

During the banquet, Steinmeier reflected on the intertwined histories of Britain and Germany, spanning world wars, shared cultural interests, and sporting passions. He emphasized that the two nations "share an affinity with one another" and recalled how British soldiers and their radio broadcasts influenced his upbringing after World War II, noting that "our history binds us together, both the good and the bad chapters."

King Charles praised the long-standing relationship between the countries, describing it as "deeply historic and richly innovative." He highlighted current collaborations, including support for Ukraine and strengthening Europes defenses against further Russian aggression.

The ceremonial welcome for Steinmeier included a horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor, inspection of a Guard of Honour at the 1,000-year-old castle, and a 41-gun salute. He also met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where they discussed joint efforts on supporting Ukraine, migration, trade, and economic growth. Steinmeier remarked that German-British relations are now in "far better shape" than during the turbulent years following Britains 2016 EU referendum, expressing Berlins intention to "place our partnership on a new footing."

Gifts were exchanged during the visit: Steinmeier presented King Charles with an umbrella from Bremen-based Schirm Oertel, while the King gifted a handcrafted Scottish walking stick with a horn handle from the Isle of Mull.

The state visit coincides with enhanced UK-Germany cooperation in security, defense, and cultural exchanges. Earlier this year, the two countries signed a defense pact and a friendship treaty, covering migration prevention and cultural collaboration.

Steinmeiers itinerary includes visiting Coventry, a city heavily damaged by German air raids in World War II, where he will lay a wreath at the bombed cathedral alongside British and German military representatives. He will then travel to Oxford for an honorary doctorate and visit a Siemens subsidiary, joined by major German business leaders. Mercedes plans to announce a 20 million electric vehicle project expected to create 150 jobs in the UK.

The leaders will also celebrate their shared love for football, with German players Per Mertesacker and Kai Havertz joining Steinmeier for a school visit in London on Thursday.

Author: Gavin Porter