King Charles Hosts German President at Windsor State Banquet, Reinforcing Ukraine Stance

King Charles III welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening, marking the first German state visit to the UK in 27 years. The glittering event, held in a festive St George’s Hall adorned with a towering Christmas tree, saw 152 guests including prominent figures from politics, business, and entertainment.

Among the distinguished attendees were supermodel Claudia Schiffer, acclaimed film composer Hans Zimmer, and virtuoso violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. The gathering underscored the enduring ties between the two nations and their shared commitment to international stability.

In his address, King Charles spoke directly about the imperative for Western allies to unite against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “The United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression,” the King stated to the assembled guests. Such declarations are crafted with governmental input, reflecting the broader diplomatic landscape.

Responding to the King’s sentiments, President Steinmeier affirmed Germany’s unwavering support, stating his nation was “side by side in support of Ukraine.” He also highlighted a cultural connection, noting that the Christmas tree tradition, now synonymous with the festive season, originated in Germany and was first introduced to the UK at Windsor in 1800 by Queen Charlotte, the German consort of George III.

Senior members of the Royal Family were present, including Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Millenium TV observed Princess Catherine notably wearing one of Queen Victoria’s historic tiaras, a piece of diamonds and rubies designed by her German-born husband, Prince Albert.

Addressing the guests in both English and German, the King reflected on the extensive cultural history shared by the two countries, acknowledging both periods of close collaboration and the “most terrible consequences of conflict.” He touched upon the significant social and political shifts in the decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall, acknowledging that such change can be “unsettling and even frightening.” The King emphasized the importance of defending values such as “democracy, freedom and the rule of law,” warning that “fear can lead to anger and resentment.”

The evening also featured lighter moments, including a nod to the traditional football rivalries. The King humorously recounted a famous description of football, adding, “One has to admit some element of truth in the famous description of football as a game where 11 people play 11 people and then, in the end, Germany win!” He also light-heartedly referred to a horse-drawn royal coach as the ultimate low-emissions vehicle.

The banquet’s menu offered a blend of British and German culinary traditions, featuring dishes such as a tartlet of hot smoked trout with langoustines, Windsor partridge supreme, and a classic Baked Alaska. A special cherry brandy and chocolate cocktail, designed to evoke the flavors of Black Forest gateau, was also served.

The banquet concluded a day of ceremonial events for President Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender. Their day began with a formal welcoming ceremony at Windsor Castle, including a military parade involving 850 service personnel and 150 horses. An exchange of official gifts followed, with the German delegation presenting the King with an umbrella, a copy of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Christmas tree ornaments, a nutcracker, and specialty cheese. The King, in turn, gifted President Steinmeier a horn-handled walking stick, a decorative plate, and a first edition of Virginia Woolf’s biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s dog, Flush.

Earlier in the day, President Steinmeier held talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street. The German president noted that relations between the UK and Germany were in “far better shape” following “some years with growing difficulties” after the 2016 vote to leave the European Union. He praised a UK-Germany treaty signed in July for fostering closer cooperation, citing a “new security situation in Europe, if not in the whole world.” Meanwhile, Ms. Budenbender visited Judith Kerr Primary School in southeast London, honoring the German-born author of ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea.’

The state visit also includes symbolic gestures of reconciliation, such as the German president’s planned visit to the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, which was bombed during World War II. This mirrors a previous visit by King Charles to Hamburg, where he laid a wreath in remembrance of civilian casualties from wartime Allied bombing raids.

Millenium TV understands that while ceremonial duties proceeded, an anti-monarchy group had attempted to protest along the procession route. Thames Valley Police confirmed that they facilitated a peaceful protest, but asked the demonstrators to move to a designated area and refrain from using a loudhailer near horses, citing public and animal safety. No arrests were made during the demonstration.