King Charles Welcomes German President in First UK State Visit in Nearly Three Decades

King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales warmly received, ed German President Frank Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender on Wednesday, marking the first German state visit to the United Kingdom in twenty-seven years. The historic occasion combined royal tradition with diplomatic outreach, reflecting the broader goal of strengthening cultural, political, and economic ties.

The German president and his wife were welcomed with full ceremonial honors in Windsor. Marching bands accompanied the formal reception, and the couple then joined King Charles in a horse-drawn carriage procession to Windsor Castle under bright winter sunshine. In a lighthearted exchange of gifts, President Steinmeier presented the King with an umbrella, perhaps not expecting the unusually sunny weather. The gesture prompted smiles and added a personal touch to the diplomatic engagement.

Visitors and residents lined Windsor High Street for the procession, where German flags flew alongside British ones. King Charles and President Steinmeier traveled together, highlighting the spirit of partnership that state visits strive to promote. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, also greeted the German delegation, with Catherine wearing a pair of earrings once owned by Diana, Princess of Wales, adding sentimental significance to the event.

The exchange of official gifts continued at Windsor Castle. Alongside the umbrella, the German side presented King Charles with ornaments for the Christmas season, a nutcracker, a copy of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and cheese produced by an eco village in Germany. In return, the King gifted President Steinmeier a horn handled walking stick crafted on the Isle of Mull, a decorative plate and a first edition of Virginia Woolf’s biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s dog, titled Flush.

The state visit underscored the importance of soft power and personal diplomacy in international relations. Over the three day program, the German president is expected to engage in cultural activities, political discussions and ceremonial events. British officials say the visit comes at a meaningful time for European relations and provides an opportunity to highlight cooperation across areas such as climate policy, education, cultural exchange and economic development.

Inside Windsor Castle, the German visitors were honored with a formal welcoming ceremony that included a military parade on the castle lawns. The display reflected the historic tradition surrounding state visits and symbolized the respect accorded to Germany’s head of state.

However, the day’s events were not without controversy. Anti monarchy campaign group Republic said police prevented members from displaying banners or holding a protest along the procession route. They described the restrictions as an attack on free speech. Thames Valley Police denied the claim, saying officers had designated a safe protest area and intervened only when demonstrators attempted to use a loudhailer near horses. The police said no arrests had been made and emphasized that peaceful protest remained permitted as long as it did not cause disruption or pose a safety risk.