It is hard for me to put into words how proud I am of our partnership, said British King Charles III on a visit to Germany on Thursday in the Bundestag.
King Charles stressed that the friendship between Britain and Germany meant a lot to his mother Queen Elizabeth II. “She often talked about her visits to Germany,” he noted.
The British monarch praised Germany’s help to Ukraine. “Germany’s decision to give so much military support to Ukraine is extremely courageous, important and welcome,” he said, adding that “Germany and Britain have taken an important leadership role.”
The war of aggression against Ukraine has brought unimaginable suffering to many innocent people, said Charles III. “Countless lives have been destroyed, freedom and people have been brutally trampled upon. Europe’s security is at stake, and so are our democratic values.”
Karol talked about the close ties between the two countries – from trade in the Hansa era to cultural aspects. He mentioned e.g. The Beatles and the German band Kraftwerk, Monty Python comedians or England’s victory over Germany in the final of the European Women’s Football Championship in 2022.
King Charles concluded his speech with an appeal: “Together, we must be vigilant against threats to our values. There are still many chapters left in the long and special history of our two countries.”
The speech of the British monarch was repeatedly interrupted by applause, Charles III also managed to make German listeners laugh several times. The king was greeted with a standing ovation.
From Berlin Berenika Lemańczyk (PAP)