King Charles Welcomes German President Steinmeier for Third State Visit of 2025:

The royal residence has already hosted two major global figures in 2025—US President Donald Trump in September and French President Emmanuel Macron in May. Now, once again, Windsor will see red carpets rolled out, flags raised across the town centre, and roads closed for the formal carriage procession that marks the start of a British state visit. President Trump’s visit, added to the royal schedule at the request of Downing Street, was orchestrated to strengthen ties between Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Due to heightened security concerns, the Trumps never appeared outside the castle walls, arriving by helicopter directly into the Windsor Estate. Macron’s visit in May followed the traditional public route through the town, and the Steinmeiers are expected to do the same. As with recent visits, the Prince and Princess of Wales will act as official greeters. Prince William and Princess Kate will meet the German President and First Lady at Heathrow Airport, then accompany them on their journey to Windsor Castle. Because Buckingham Palace remains under major refurbishment, all state visits continue to be hosted at Windsor. On arrival, President Steinmeier will receive a ceremonial welcome in the Quadrangle, complete with a Guard of Honour and a parade for the two heads of state. Later on Wednesday, royal proceedings will briefly pause as the German President travels to Downing Street for talks with the Prime Minister. Unlike the executive presidencies of France or the United States, Germany’s presidency is largely ceremonial. Much like the role of the British monarch, the German President serves as a national figurehead and representative abroad, while governance lies with the Chancellor. Nevertheless, the visit includes all the grandeur of a full state occasion. The first evening will feature a State Banquet in St George’s Hall, where the historic 50-foot dining table will be reassembled and a menu designed to showcase both British and German culinary traditions will be served. Male guests will wear white tie, while Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and all female attendees will be dressed in full-length evening gowns. Previous banquets have attracted notable figures, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse. The three-day programme also includes a moment of reflection in St George’s Chapel at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, an address to MPs and Lords at Westminster, and a meeting with German Premier League footballers. The visit will conclude with a trip to Coventry—twinned with Dresden—where the President and First Lady will attend a prayer service focused on reconciliation after the Second World War.

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