German State Visit under way with full ceremonial as King Charles plays host at Windsor

 

King Charles and Queen Camilla are putting on quite a show for the President of Germany as they welcome him to Windsor for a State Visit.

The King and Queen have been joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales for the start of this important event which is designed to cement ties between the UK and Germany. It follows a State Visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla to Germany in 2023, the first outgoing State Visit of the new reign.

William and Kate began proceedings by meeting the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as his place came to a stop at Heathrow. They then accompanied him and his wife, Elke Budenbender, to Windsor where the pomp and ceremony kicked in.

A full official welcome got under way with a Royal Salute and the national anthems being played before The King was joined by the German President in the Irish State Coach for a carriage procession to Windsor Castle. Queen Camilla and Ms Budenbender followed in the Australian State Coach. There was a military guard for them as they made their way to the castle, the oldest royal residence in the country.

Inside Windsor Castle, the German President was asked to join The King in inspecting a Guard of Honour before heading inside for lunch. Afterwards, a special exhibition was put on for the guests including items from the Royal Collection with a special connection to Germany (no spoilers but Queen Victoria and Prince Albert featured heavily). The day will end with a State Banquet in St. George's Hall.