For the first time in modern royal history, a state banquet has been held with full Christmas decorations, as King Charles III welcomed the President of Germany to Windsor Castle. The historic dinner for President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, took place in a festively transformed St George's Hall, dominated by a magnificent 20-foot Christmas tree.
A Festive First in Royal Diplomacy
The glittering white-tie event marked a significant departure from tradition, being the first state banquet in living memory to be staged with Christmas themes in the United Kingdom. The scale of the towering tree, adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and green and gold ornaments, was so grand it necessitated practical adjustments. The famous mahogany dining table was shortened by two metres to 45 metres, and guest numbers were reduced to 152, eight fewer than the usual Windsor capacity. A Palace aide remarked on the "whopper" tree, confirming it was the reason for the scaled-down arrangements.
Guests of Honour and a Personalised Toast
The guest list reflected the German-British theme, blending royalty, politics, and celebrity. Ten members of the royal family attended, including the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Notable figures with German connections included supermodel Claudia Schiffer, composer Hans Zimmer, and illustrator Axel Scheffler.
In a personal touch, a special Black Forest gateau cocktail was created for the occasion, continuing a tradition started by King Charles to serve a new, personalised drink at each state banquet. The innovative tipple combined cherry brandy with clarified German chocolate liqueur, served in a frosted glass with a chocolate-dusted rim.
Menu, Music, and Meticulous Details
The menu, presented in customary French, featured Windsor partridge and a baked Alaska dessert. The wine list struck a diplomatic balance, offering both a German white wine and an English sparkling wine. A French red from 1995 was chosen as a personal nod to the year the German president married his wife.
Music during the banquet, performed by the Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra, included works by German composers like Handel and Mendelssohn, alongside film scores by Hans Zimmer and modern pop. The table was laid with the Grand Service silver gilt, comprising 4,000 pieces, and was illuminated by 158 candles. Seasonal flowers were handpicked from royal gardens, with leftovers donated to charity.
This state visit is the first by a German leader to the UK in 27 years. It also marks the first time in 37 years that a British monarch has hosted three state visits in a single year, following earlier visits from the French and US presidents.
