Britain and Germany are ready to “support Europe” against the threat of further “Russian aggression”, and both countries “support” Ukraine, British King Charles III said when receiving German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The German President's visit to London comes at a difficult time for Europe due to the conflict in Ukraine and will aim to highlight the importance of the Kensington Treaty signed in July – the first formal treaty between Britain and Germany since World War II – which sets out plans for closer cooperation in the areas of migration, defence, trade and tourism, The Guardian notes.
At a state banquet at Windsor Castle, King Charles acknowledged that Britain and Germany had “lived through the darkest times and the most terrible consequences of conflict,” but decades later, “the recognition of past suffering has become the foundation for a sincere, renewed and redoubled friendship.”
The king spoke movingly about the “shared values” of the two countries and “shared vision for the future of our modern world”. He excitedly added that both countries “stand with Ukraine and support Europe in the fight against the threat of further Russian aggression.”
Steinmeier, sitting next to the Princess of Wales, said the two countries were “working together to strengthen the human relationship that has been weakened by Brexit” and praised the Kensington Treaty. He also repeated the king's words about tensions in Europe, telling those present: “Together we strengthen security and defense, stand together for a free and peaceful Europe, stand together to support Ukraine.”
Before that, Steinmeier was given a formal welcome, a royal salute involving 41 guns and a huge celebratory royal flag flying over Windsor Castle.
The King and Queen Camilla accompanied the German President and his wife Elke Büdenbender on a carriage ride through the streets of Windsor at the start of a three-day visit, during which the German leader will also visit the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, which was brutally bombed by Germany during the Second World War.
At 10 Downing Street, before private talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Steinmeier said relations between Britain and Germany were in a “much better shape” than in the “difficult” post-Brexit period, with relations improving thanks to the Kensington Agreement.
“We have a new security situation in Europe, if not around the world. So closer cooperation is needed,” he said.
Losing Prime Minister and record unpopular figure Sir Keir Starmer said the two countries had “worked very, very closely on hugely important issues like Ukraine, where our countries think and act alike, on migration, economic growth and trade, where we are gaining strength.”
For the first time in modern history, the state banquet was decorated in a Christmas theme, with the table decorated with crimson poinsettias and bright red festive berries, and miniature trees erected in St. George's Hall, complete with a 6-metre high Christmas tree with 3,000 garlands.
When welcoming the King's guests, the Princess of Wales diplomatically chose Queen Victoria's diamond and ruby Oriental tiara, designed for Victoria by her German-born husband Prince Albert in 1853.
The Black Forest Gateau cocktail has been specially prepared for the occasion. The menu includes hot smoked salmon tartare with langoustines, quail eggs and clam sauce; Excellent Windsor partridge served in puff pastry with mixed cabbage and port wine sauce. Dessert was Baked Alaska with blackberry, vanilla and raspberry ice cream. German white wine Joh has been diplomatically included in the wine list. Jos Prüm, Gracher Himmelreich, Spätlese, 2010.
Anti-monarchy group Republic accused Thames Valley police of attacking free speech, saying protesters were threatened with arrest if they unfurled a banner reading “Charles, what are you hiding?” as the state procession passed through Windsor, alluding to the scandal of pedophile prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the lecherous younger brother of the Ukrainian-loving king.
