At a Berlin state banquet, the King promised to “strengthen connections” between Germany and the UK.
The official residence of Frank-Walter Steinmeier (the host) is Schloss Bellevue where the state dinner will be held.
Charles made the first state banquet speech in his reign and paid tribute to the “enduring worth” of their relationship. He also stressed that he was “utterly certain” that the bond between the two countries “will grow stronger.”
His Majesty addressed guests in English and German, praising their shared values of “promoting global health, net zero, and protecting our democratic values”.
He paid tribute to Germany for its “extraordinary generosity” in hosting more than a million Ukrainian refugees.
The King was even able to get a laugh out of the white-tie guests when he referenced a British comedy sketch called, “dinner for one”, which is immensely popular in Germany.
It features an elderly aristocrat who dines alone, while her waiter becomes more drunk by pouring alcohol for non-existent guests.
It is a German tradition to view the 18-minute sketch on New Year’s Eve.
The event took place in the Tiergarten district, German capital.
For the occasion, Queen Consort wore a bracelet and tiara that belonged to Queen Elizabeth.
Rumours abound that the King’s German cousins were invited at the event. This includes Prince Donatus, who was with the Queen during her 2015 state visit to Frankfurt with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Prince Baden Bernhard and Prince Ludwig of Baden, Prince Philip’s parents, are expected to be there.
President Steinmeier thanked the King for visiting Germany as his first state visit as monarch and praised his green convictions.
He said in a speech that he was grateful King Charles III had championed healthy nutrition, sustainability, and climate action early on. Your Majesty’s convictions are a benefit to us all today.
He said, “This visit, Your Majesty’s first overseas trip as the new King is a tremendous personal gesture. I want to express my sincere thanks for that.”
“I look forward to the next days and the many opportunities to exchange views.”
At 1pm UK time, the couple arrived at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport. They then visited the Brandenburg Gate. This landmark was used for the first time to welcome any visiting heads of state.
The King took the time to meet people at the gate. He spoke to several girls who had just visited London and to a child who asked him: “No school today?”
The King will visit the Presidential Palace to learn about Germany’s efforts to promote sustainability and hear about Germany’s support for Ukraine. He will also address the German parliament in English and German.
The royal couple was due to travel from France to Germany for a state trip, but French President Emmanuel Macron requested that the trip be delayed after a night of violence following his pension reforms.
King and Queen Consort fly past fighter jets
Two Typhoon jets escorted the ministerial plane Voyager to the airport as a gesture of respect for the King.
After a 21-gun salute, the royals were greeted with a fly-past by two fighter jets. The royals were welcomed at the bottom by a number of dignitaries, including Jill Gallard, British ambassador to Germany, and Dorte Dinger, state secretary.
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The King and Queen Consort posted a joint statement to Twitter, stating that it was a “great pleasure” to have the “longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The statement stated that “Ahead of our state visit to Germany, it is very much looking forwards to meeting all the people who make this country special,”
They will depart Berlin on Friday and travel to Hamburg.
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