Today’s King Charles has become the first British monarch to address the German Bundestag – and he delivered almost the entire historic speech in German – as his state visit has gone from strength to strength.
There were nods of approval and several rounds of applause from MPs as His Majesty spoke of the links between ‘our nations’, and at times the King seemed emotional to be there.
Charles also spoke movingly of his mother’s love of the Queen for Germany and how he was moved by her people’s tribute after her death the previous September.
The king praised Germany for standing by Ukraine after the Russian invasion, saying it “threatened” Europe’s security, but he was “encouraged” by the “unity” shown by Britain, Germany and other countries.
He also joked about the rivalry between the two countries played out on the soccer field and the two countries’ ability to laugh “with each other” – prompting standing ovations.
Britain’s King Charles addresses members of the lower house of Parliament, the Bundestag, and receives laughter and enthusiastic applause as he speaks in German.
Earlier today, the King took home some German cheese and his wife Camilla feasted on delicious dairy products and honey as the royal couple were greeted by huge crowds in Berlin today.
On the second day of his historic state visit, the British monarch was warmly received by Chancellor Olaf Schultz upon his arrival at the Federal Chancellery building.
Then he and Queen Consort Camilla met at the city’s Wittenbergplatz food market.
The royal couple also spoke to a group of local business owners who discussed the market’s history and products.
Charles shared a number of big laughs with the crowd and the merchants, who made sure the couple tried their sausages, cheese, honey and fresh fruit and vegetables.
King Charles III gestures and laughs as he visits a food market on the second day of his royal tour
Camila Waves and Charles are handing out some juice at the kiosk this morning
Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffe, Britain’s King Charles and Camilla the Queen Queen visit the farmers’ market at Wittenbergplatz today
The Queen Consort gives a thumbs up during a visit to the Wittenbergplatz market where she ate some honey
An armed policeman surveys the building surrounding the market
The King and Queen Consort’s state visit to Germany, the first in Charles’ reign, began on Wednesday with a ceremonial salute at Berlin’s famous Brandenburg Gate.
The king was supposed to be in France earlier in the week, but President Macron canceled it due to ongoing protests over his pension reforms.
During a speech at a state banquet in his honor on Wednesday night, Charles pledged to “strengthen ties” between the UK and Germany as he hailed the “enduring value” of the relationship between the two countries.
Germany has taken in more than a million Ukrainian refugees seeking sanctuary after Russia invaded their homeland, and Charles will tour the Tegel refugee center to meet some of the group.
Separately, the Queen Consort will visit the community center Refugio House, a meeting place for locals and new residents of Berlin, including refugees.
Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort (left), and Berlin’s ruling mayor Franziska Giffe (right), welcome philanthropists
Camilla tests some honey
An armed police officer stands guard as King Charles and Queen Camilla of Britain visit a farmers’ market
King Charles’ trip to Germany was a huge success.
On an impromptu tour, the King was graciously shown a crown – and paper – on his first official engagement on his state visit to Germany yesterday.
He was touring Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate when he came across a number of well-wishers wearing Burger King crowns presented by the fast-food giant.
A man undressed him and tried to press him into the king’s hands, saying politely: “This is for you, if you want it.”
Charles smiled broadly and said, “I’m fine!” He has, of course, a number of real things in the house. He also smiled and refused another crown from a woman who said, “I have a present for you.”
The King was also seen stooping to pick up a man’s hat before returning it to him, the grateful owner thanking him and bowing.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Bodenbender, formally greeted Charles and Camilla – who took selfies with fans – at the Brandenburg Gate before the national anthem was played.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomes Britain’s King Charles III to the Berlin Chancellery this morning
Charles skips his royal car as he begins the second day of his historic trip to Germany
Charles and Schulz speak at the Chancellery in Berlin
King Charles and Queen Camilla are welcomed at the Brandenburg Gate by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Boydenbender
In a sign of the importance attached to the visit, the couple were given their first full official and military welcome at the landmark since World War II. Even Queen Elizabeth II, who visited Berlin for her last ever state visit in 2015, was not given the honor.
They were due to fly in from Paris, but the first part of their visit to France was canceled at 11 o’clock by President Macron amid scenes of massive civil unrest in his country. It will be rearranged at a later time.
Speaking for the first time this afternoon about the cancellation of the visit, the king told a reporter it was “very sad”.
In Berlin, the Queen Consort wore a turquoise colored coat and dress by Bruce Oldfield and an elegant hat by Philip Treacy.
And with a lovely personal detail, she wore a brooch that belonged to Queen Elizabeth, which Queen Mary gave to the late monarch upon her confirmation in 1942.
President Steinmeier praised the King’s foresight on climate change at a green energy reception at Schloss Bellevue.
The King followed a translation of the President’s remarks into a pamphlet and smiled warmly as Mr. Steinmeier repeated them in English.
He also thanked the King for making his first state visit to Germany, saying, ‘This visit, Your Majesty’s first trip abroad as the new Sovereign, is an enormous personal gesture – and for that I wish to express my heartfelt thanks. I look forward to the days ahead and to the many opportunities we will have to exchange views.
The King has been told that work this year will begin on an undersea power cable between the Isle of Green in Kent and Wilmshaven in Germany, with the President adding: ‘This first direct energy link highlights how closely Germany and the UK are working together to make our economies neutral’ climatically.
“I consider this an encouraging example – just as His Majesty’s visit to Germany is encouraging.”
