King Charles has declared that the United Kingdom and Germany stand ready to strengthen Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression. The monarch made the significant statement during a glittering state banquet held at Windsor Castle, honouring the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on his historic three-day visit.
A Historic Visit and a United Front
The event, held on Wednesday evening in St George's Hall, marked the first state visit by a German leader in 27 years. King Charles praised the defence partnership between the two nations, describing it as a "unique partnership at the heart of NATO". In his speech, the King emphasised their shared commitment to European security.
President Steinmeier strongly echoed this sentiment. He stated that the UK and Germany were "working together to promote security and defence, side by side for a free, peaceful Europe ... in support of Ukraine". This show of unity comes at a critical time, coinciding with reports that Russia's president has rejected proposed changes to a peace plan and warned Moscow is prepared for conflict with Europe.
Glittering Ceremony and Strategic Talks
The state visit began with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, where President Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, were met by King Charles and Queen Camilla. Around 160 guests attended the lavish banquet, which featured a spectacular 20-foot Christmas tree adorned with 3,000 lights.
Beyond the pomp, the visit had substantial strategic and economic dimensions. President Steinmeier met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where the PM affirmed the relationship was in a "very, very strong position" and referenced the recently signed Kensington Treaty for closer cooperation. The German leader also participated in a roundtable with UK and German business leaders.
A major economic announcement accompanied the visit: a £20 million electric vehicle (EV) project led by German manufacturer Mercedes, set to create an initial 150 jobs in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.
A Banquet of Stars and Symbolism
The state dinner was a blend of high diplomacy and personal touches. The menu was a showcase of British produce:
- Starter: Open tartlet of Hot Smoked Trout with Langoustines.
- Main: Windsor Partridge Supreme wrapped in Puff Pastry.
- Dessert: Baked Alaska with Blackberry, Vanilla and Raspberry Ice Creams.
Guests were served a cocktail inspired by Black Forest gateau, and the red wine was from 1995, the year the German President married. The guest list blended royalty, politics, business, and culture, including supermodel Claudia Schiffer, football legend Thomas Hitzlsperger, composer Hans Zimmer, and Strictly judge Motzi Mabuse.
In a lighter moment, King Charles quipped about the nations' shared passion for football, acknowledging the common saying that "in the end, the Germans win".
The visit continues with President Steinmeier laying flowers at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St George's Chapel before addressing the UK Parliament, cementing a renewed chapter in Anglo-German relations focused firmly on shared security and prosperity.
