Dhe British King Charles III. has committed to expanding cooperation with Germany. The relations between the two countries are also extremely important to him, “I am more than ever convinced of their lasting value for all of us,” he said on Wednesday evening in his after-dinner speech at the state banquet in Bellevue Palace in Berlin. “I can only assure you that during the time that will come my way as king, I will do everything to further strengthen our relations.”
Charles and his wife Camilla arrived in Germany in the afternoon for a three-day state visit. They were greeted with military honors at the Brandenburg Gate by their hosts, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender. Steinmeier also emphasized the strength of Anglo-German relations in the evening.
“Whatever lies ahead, I know: our German-British friendship will remain important and it will remain strong,” said the Federal President on Wednesday evening at Bellevue Palace. He repeated this sentence in English.
The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union began on March 29, 2017, Steinmeier continued. “Today, exactly six years later, we are opening a new chapter. We look forward under changed conditions – and yet together.”
Visit of the royal couple
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Charles III and Camilla are in a good mood at the state banquet
The partnership between Germany and Great Britain has grown over the centuries, Steinmeier said in his after-dinner speech. It was a “sad day” for him personally when the British government submitted its application to leave the European Union exactly six years ago Fall. The ties between our countries are now too strong, the friendships between people too close, the work of reconciliation after two world wars too precious.”
Steinmeier emphasized that Germany also owes this reconciliation and the deep friendship between the two peoples to Charles and his family. He recalled the many trips made by today’s king to Germany and called him an “ambassador for reconciliation, for friendship between our nations”. From the German point of view, the forthcoming coronation represents great continuity between Germans and Britons. And your personal commitment to Anglo-German relations,” said the Federal President.
Charles thanks for “moving words of support”
Charles said he and his wife were “deeply touched” by the warm welcome they received in Germany. The king flashed British humor when he pointed out that he had been to Germany more than forty times. “Of course, that shows how important our relationships are to me, but also, I’m afraid, how long I’ve been around.”
Charles also thanked the Germans for the “extremely moving words of support and affection” following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last September. “Your kindness meant more to my family and me than I can put into words.” The king also expressed his appreciation for Germany for taking in more than a million refugees from Ukraine. This is “convincing proof, it seems to me, of the generosity of the people in Germany”.
The four-course menu of the banquet was guarded in advance like a state secret. In the evening, the order of the menu became known. The approximately 130 guests were first served pickled carp and Erfurt watercress, then Heck beef broth, pasture chicken and tree fungus, and finally prunes, East Frisian black tea and shortbread.
The wine accompaniment consisted of a Riesling Spätlese from the Rheingau, a Pinot Noir from Rheinhessen and a liqueur wine from the Ahr. Of course, there was also a non-alcoholic drink option and a vegetarian option for food.