Windsor: King Charles formally welcomed Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the United Kingdom on Wednesday, marking the start of a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations in the post-Brexit era.
The visit is significant — it is the first time in 27 years that a German head of state has come to Britain on an official state invitation. It also comes less than two years after Charles chose Germany as the destination for his first official overseas trip after becoming king in 2023.
The King and Queen Camilla greeted President Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, in Windsor. The couples then joined a ceremonial carriage procession to Windsor Castle, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine.
While the format echoes last September’s state visit by former US President Donald Trump, this event is expected to be far more public, as Trump’s visit required an extensive security lockdown across London and Windsor.
Later on Wednesday, President Steinmeier will hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street before attending a formal state banquet at Windsor Castle.
The visit comes at a time of renewed diplomatic warmth. In July, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz travelled to Britain to sign a new cooperation treaty as part of efforts to rebuild relations with Europe following years of tensions caused by Brexit. Steinmeier’s arrival also follows a high-profile state visit by France’s President Emmanuel Macron earlier this summer.
On Thursday, President Steinmeier and Ms Büdenbender will lay flowers at the resting place of the late Queen Elizabeth II before being shown the historic State Sleigh, originally designed by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German-born consort.
During his time in Britain, the German president is also expected to address Members of Parliament and meet German footballers currently playing in the Premier League.
The visit will conclude on Friday in Coventry — a city devastated by German bombing during the Second World War. There, President Steinmeier will lay a wreath at the ruins of the old cathedral alongside the Duke of Kent. The ceremony echoes similar commemorations earlier this year marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied bombing of Dresden.