King Charles III and Queen Camilla were in high spirits today as they hosted the second day of the German President's state visit at Windsor Castle. The royal couple, aged 77 and 78 respectively, warmly bid farewell to Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender following a series of engagements.
A Morning Focused on Community and Volunteering
The day's events began with a reception for The Big Help Out initiative at the Berkshire royal residence. Their Majesties, alongside President Steinmeier, met volunteers to highlight the profound impact of community service. King Charles spoke at length with representatives from the Trussell Trust food bank network.
In a personal touch, the King briefly guided his guests to view the historic State Sleigh. This ornate carriage was designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria and was first recorded in her diary in 1845. The royal party also engaged in creative activities, drawing outlines of their hands to be used as decorative table displays.
A Display of Royal Unity Amidst Family Tensions
The King and Queen were seen sharing smiles and a private conversation, presenting a united front. This strong display follows Queen Camilla's visible bond with the Prince and Princess of Wales yesterday, where she was seen blowing them a kiss.
This show of family cohesion unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing tensions with the Duke of Sussex. Prince Harry last saw his father for a brief 54-minute meeting in September, their first encounter in over a year. He remains estranged from his brother, the Prince of Wales. Harry's recent appearance on American television, where he mocked former President Donald Trump and was met with audience boos, has drawn further attention to the family divide.
A Packed Schedule of Diplomacy and Tribute
Despite the distant headlines, the state visit proceeded seamlessly. Before departing Windsor, the German presidential couple paid a private visit to St George's Chapel to lay flowers at the resting place of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The remainder of President Steinmeier's itinerary is packed with symbolic gestures and cultural exchanges:
- A wreath-laying ceremony at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.
- Visits to the German Embassy and the Royal Courts of Justice.
- A trip to the Bobby Moore Academy in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to meet German footballers and observe a training session promoting community cohesion.
- A tour of the V&A East Storehouse, including items from the new David Bowie Centre.
- A formal banquet at Guildhall hosted by the Lady Mayor, joined by Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
The visit began yesterday with the Prince and Princess of Wales greeting the President at Heathrow Airport. The evening featured a glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle, where the Princess of Wales made a stunning appearance in Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet tiara, a piece not seen publicly since 2006.
