King Charles III has declared that the United Kingdom and Germany will stand together to ‘bolster’ Europe against the mounting threat posed by Russia. The monarch made the significant statement while hosting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, 4th December 2025.
A Unified Front Against Aggression
The high-profile gathering took place as tensions between Europe and the Kremlin intensified. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has recently accused European leaders of undermining US-led peace efforts for Ukraine and rejected proposed changes to a draft peace plan. Putin also stated Moscow was prepared for war with the continent, remarks dismissed by the UK Government as mere ‘sabre-rattling’.
Addressing distinguished guests in St George’s Hall, King Charles highlighted the unique military partnership between the two nations. ‘With regard to shared defence, our German-British Bridging Battalion at Minden – which I visited during our state visit two years ago – is literally building bridges, a unique partnership at the heart of Nato,’ he said.
‘And more broadly, of course, the United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression,’ the King added, reinforcing the commitment to continental security.
Echoes of Solidarity and Shared History
President Steinmeier firmly echoed the sovereign's sentiments. ‘We are working together to promote security and defence, side by side for a free, peaceful Europe, side by side in support of Ukraine,’ the German head of state told the assembled audience.
Reflecting on the broader historical context, King Charles noted it had been 36 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, a pivotal moment followed by tumultuous change that tested democratic values. ‘Fear can lead to anger and resentment,’ he observed. ‘But the United Kingdom and Germany are united in a continued belief in democracy, freedom and the rule of law.’
A Gathering of Notable Figures
The banquet, marking the final day of President Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender’s three-day state visit, attracted a host of notable figures from public life and culture. Guests of honour included the Prime Minister and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The event also saw an array of celebrities with German ties in attendance, including:
- Supermodel Claudia Schiffer and her filmmaker husband Sir Matthew Vaughn.
- Acclaimed movie-score composer Hans Zimmer.
- Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse, who resides in Germany.
- Axel Scheffler, the renowned illustrator of The Gruffalo.
Adding a sporting dimension, guests included former German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger, who played for Aston Villa, and England Lioness Georgia Stanway. The King also delivered large portions of his address in German and touched on the shared passion for football.
The powerful display of unity at Windsor Castle underscores a determined trans-national stance, as both the UK and Germany seek to reinforce European stability in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges from the East.
