Windsor Castle hosted a momentous state banquet on Wednesday evening as King Charles III welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, marking the first German state visit to the UK in 27 years. The glittering event, adorned with seasonal decorations including a 20-foot Christmas tree illuminated by thousands of lights, brought together 152 distinguished guests from political, business, and cultural spheres.
The royal family was prominently represented with Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in attendance. Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a notable sartorial statement wearing Queen Victoria’s diamond and ruby tiara, originally designed by her German-born husband Prince Albert.
Among the celebrity guests were model Claudia Schiffer—seated beside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer—renowned film composer Hans Zimmer, and virtuoso violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. The banquet menu featured a fusion of British and German culinary traditions, including tartlet of hot smoked trout with langoustines, Windsor partridge supreme, and Black Forest gateau-inspired cocktails.
In his address delivered in both English and German, King Charles emphasized the critical need for Western allies to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, stating: “The United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression.” President Steinmeier reciprocated this sentiment, affirming Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
The King also reflected on the profound historical connections between the two nations, acknowledging both cultural exchanges and the “most terrible consequences of conflict.” He spoke thoughtfully about the social and political transformations following the fall of the Berlin Wall, noting how change can be “unsettling and even frightening” and emphasizing the necessity of defending democratic values.
Lighter moments included the King’s humorous reference to football rivalries: “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 quipped about horse-drawn royal coaches being the “ultimate low-emissions vehicle.”
The banquet culminated a day of ceremonial activities that included a military parade featuring 850 service personnel and 150 horses. Gift exchanges held symbolic significance, with German presents including an umbrella, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and traditional nutcrackers, while the King offered a horn-handled walking stick and rare literary editions.
President Steinmeier later remarked on the improved UK-Germany relations following post-Brexit challenges, praising the recent bilateral treaty signed in July as instrumental in achieving closer cooperation. Meanwhile, First Lady Elke Budenbender visited Judith Kerr Primary School in London, honoring the German-born author of beloved children’s literature.
The visit will include gestures of reconciliation, with plans for President Steinmeier to visit Coventry Cathedral ruins, bombed during World War II. Minor protests by anti-monarchy groups occurred but were managed peacefully by Thames Valley Police without arrests.