King Charles and Queen Camilla Embrace the Christmas Season by Displaying 180-Year-Old Royal Sleigh

On December 4, King Charles and Queen Camilla bid farewell to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Bdenbender at Windsor Castle. Prior to their departure, the German couple paid their respects by laying flowers at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth. During the visit, Charles, 77, and Camilla, 78, presented the official state sleigh, a historical piece that captured the festive spirit of the season.

The 180-year-old sleigh, designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, was highlighted for its historical significance. Queen Victoria herself mentioned it in her diary in 1845. The German guests, President Steinmeier, 69, and his wife, 63, also had the opportunity to view an illustration of the sleigh while taking photos with the royal couple, evoking memories of traditional winter royal transport.

The festive showcase served as a reminder of the grand Christmas tree illuminated with thousands of lights at St. George's Hall, where a state banquet had been held the previous evening. The sleigh, crafted by Prince Albert, reinforced the connection between German traditions and British royal heritage. In his speech at the banquet, President Steinmeier noted that many cherished Christmas customs in the U.K., including the Christmas tree first displayed at Windsor Castle by Queen Charlotte in 1800, have German origins.

Earlier in the day, the German delegation visited St. Georges Chapel within Windsor Castle to lay flowers at Queen Elizabeth's tomb. They then joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for a reception celebrating community volunteering through The Big Help Out initiative.

This visit marks the first German presidential state visit to the U.K. in 27 years. On December 3, the couple was greeted at Heathrow Airport by Prince William and Princess Kate before a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage procession to Windsor Castle, culminating in an elegant state banquet. During the event, 152 guests were welcomed with cocktails inspired by Black Forest gateau, featuring cherry brandy that Charles first tried as a teenager, along with wine vintage-matched to the German couple's 1995 wedding year.

Author: Connor Blake