As the first British monarch to address Germany’s parliament, the King spoke out about politics, history, and “renewing friendship”.
The main message of the speech (parts of which were in German) was to renew the “special bond” of friendship between the two countries. He said that it meant so much for his mother, the late Queen.
Royal State Visit Latest: King Makes History with Bilingual Speech
The King stated that Germany is the only country with which the UK has such an integrated unit.
“I cannot begin to express how proud I am about the strength of our partnership between our countries.”
Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock stated that, despite not mentioning Brexit, the speech was focused on “looking forward” in a post Brexit age.
The speech was interrupted occasionally by applause from the Bundestag members. Throughout, the King made references to both the Ukraine invasion as well as to the Second World War.
He stated, “Seventy-five Years after the Second World War it was of great significance to me to stand alongside Germans in honouring victims of war or tyranny and to be one of the first members in my family to take part in those deeply moving ceremonies.”
He called the war in Ukraine an “unprovoked incursion” that has “inflicted unimaginable suffering upon so many innocent people”, with many lives lost.
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He said, “The world has seen in horror – but they have not stood by,” and praised both Germany (and the UK) for being Europe’s largest financial contributors to this war-torn nation.
The King’s speech was amusing at times. The King’s speech amused the congregation at points.
He also celebrated their cultural contributions, joked that Kraftwerk and Brahms will be remembered as much by the younger generations.
During his three-day visit to Germany, the King’s speech was the most anticipated.
The King spoke after arrived in Berlin on Wednesday. He was hosted at a German state banquet by Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Here he promised to “strengthen our connections” between Germany and the UK.
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The King addressed the guests again in English and German. He praised the shared values of both countries and paid tribute to their “enduring value”.
He stated that he was “utterly certain” that the bond between them would “grow ever stronger”.
The King met also with the Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
He will be touring the Tegel Refugee Centre to meet some of the 1 million Ukrainian refugees looking for refuge in Germany.
Separately, the Queen Consort will visit Refugio House, which is a community center that serves as a meeting point for all new Berlin residents, refugees included.
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