President of Germany Frank‑Walter Steinmeier, accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, was formally received at Windsor Castle on Wednesday by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marking the first state visit by a German head of state to the UK in 27 years. The arrival included a royal carriage procession, a guard of honour and a ceremonial welcome, launching a three-day visit bringing together pageantry, diplomacy and cultural exchange.
This visit comes as Britain and Germany seek to reinforce bilateral ties through renewed cooperation on trade, security, and cultural diplomacy. The visit reflects efforts to deepen the post-Brexit partnership and strengthen mutual influence amid ongoing global challenges.
President Steinmeier and First Lady Büdenbender were greeted at Heathrow Airport by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales before travelling by carriage to Windsor, under skies strung with UK and German flags. Crowds lined the streets, and the formal procession included the traditional Irish, Australian and Scottish State Coaches.
At the castle, the guests were welcomed with a Royal Salute, national anthems, and an inspection of the Guard of Honour. Later in the day, a state banquet at St George’s Hall will welcome political leaders, diplomats and notable cultural figures — continuing the British monarchy’s long tradition of blending spectacle with diplomatic purpose.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, added a touch of royal heritage to the event — wearing earrings that once belonged to the late Diana, Princess of Wales — a subtle nod to continuity and legacy.
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Beyond the ceremony, the state visit is loaded with diplomatic significance. Steinmeier is scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, and later address the British Parliament, reinforcing political and economic links between the two nations.
The trip builds on the 2025 “Kensington Treaty” — a framework aiming to deepen cooperation in business, security and infrastructure, including plans for improved rail connections. The state visit is being touted as a concrete step toward cementing Anglo-German relations in a post-Brexit Europe.
Among the cultural exchanges planned are a visit by the First Lady to a London primary school with German heritage ties, and a ceremonial tribute at Coventry Cathedral to honour victims of WWII bombings — a pointed reminder of shared history and reconciliation.
Not all welcomed the visit. The anti-monarchy group Republic reported being blocked by police when they tried to protest along the procession route. Police said they had facilitated a peaceful protest but asked demonstrators to move to a designated area and restricted loudspeaker use near horses to avoid disruption. “Everyone has a right to protest,” they added, “but if demonstrations become disruptive or a threat to the public or animals in the procession, we will take appropriate action.” No arrests were made.
