King Charles has said the UK and Germany are ready to “bolster Europe” against the threat of further Russian aggression.
Speaking at a state banquet in honour of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, he praised the shared defence arrangement between both countries – describing it as a “unique partnership at the heart of NATO”.
At the start of a historic three-day state visit, Mr Steinmeier echoed the sentiment, saying they were “working together to promote security and defence, side by side for a free, peaceful Europe … in support of Ukraine”.
It is the first state visit by a German leader in 27 years – and about 160 guests assembled for a glittering state banquet last night at St George’s Hall in Windsor, where a Christmas tree, decked with 3,000 lights, took pride of place.
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15:51
Watch: King’s full speech at state banquet
The King’s comments coincide with Russia’s president rejecting changes proposed by Ukraine and Europe to a draft peace plan, and warning Moscow was “ready” for war with Europe.
There was also a lighter moment when the King quipped about the countries’ shared love of football, admitting there was some truth in the phrase that “in the end, the Germans win”.
Pic: PA
Pic: PA
Pic: PA
Mr Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, were met by King Charles and Queen Camilla as they arrived in Windsor and received a ceremonial welcome after entering the castle grounds.
Mr Steinmeier also joined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at a roundtable of UK and German business leaders.
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4:10
German President welcomed by Royals: Key moments
The visit comes as a £20m electric vehicle (EV) project, led by German car manufacturer Mercedes, was unveiled.
The initiative is set to create an initial 150 jobs in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.
In July, a partnership known as the Kensington Treaty was signed by Germany and the UK, with Sir Keir saying the countries would “work ever more closely”.
Who was at state banquet – and what was on the menu?
A black forest gateau-inspired cocktail, a supermodel and footballing stars, and the only state banquet in living memory to feature a Christmas tree, that’s what the German president was treated to.
It is the third state visit for the royals in a single year – the last time that happened was 1988.
The dinner was laid on in St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle. The 152 guests were greeted by a 20ft Christmas tree with thousands of lights and a garter star on top. Windsor is renowned as the historic home of the Order of the Garter.
The guests received a chocolate and cherry brandy cocktail, evoking flavours of a black forest gateau. The red wine was from 1995, the year the president and his wife got married.
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer was among those attending and sat next to Sir Keir Starmer. German football legend Thomas Hitzlsperger, who played for Everton and Aston Villa, was placed next to Princess Anne.
Composer Hans Zimmer, Strictly judge Motzi Mabuse, Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway and Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler were also invited – alongside business leaders and political figures.
The menu featured open tartlet of Hot Smoked Trout with Langoustines, Quail Eggs and Shellfish Sauce for starter, Windsor Partridge Supreme wrapped in Puff Pastry with Confit Cabbage and Port Sauce for the main course, and for dessert, Baked Alaska with Blackberry, Vanilla and Raspberry Ice Creams.
‘Our two countries think alike’
At his meeting with Mr Steinmeier on Wednesday, the prime minister said the UK’s relationship with Germany is in a “very, very strong position”.
He told the president at Downing Street: “You and I sat down in Berlin last year, and I remember distinctly you saying to me that the relationship between our two countries was beginning a new chapter, a new opening. And I profoundly believe that that is right.”
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3:08
Starmer hosts German president at Downing Street
Referencing the Kensington Treaty, Sir Keir added: “We’ve also worked very, very closely on hugely important issues like Ukraine, where our two countries think alike and act alike, on issues of migration and on economic growth and trade, where we go from strength to strength.”
Mr Steinmeier will pay his respects and lay flowers at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel this morning before addressing parliament later in the day.
