King Charles has pledged to “strengthen the connections” between the UK and Germany on his first state visit as monarch.
Speaking at a state banquet in Berlin on Wednesday night, the King said he was “utterly convinced” that the bond between the two countries would “grow ever stronger” as they “pursue a more sustainable, prosperous and secure future”.
Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier thanked the King for the “personal gesture” of choosing his country as his first foreign trip.
“This visit, Your Majesty’s very first trip abroad as the new King, is a tremendous personal gesture – and for that I would like to express my heartfelt thanks. I am looking forward to the coming days and to the many opportunities we will have to exchange views.”
In a speech partly delivered in English and partly in German, the King also criticised Russia’s “unprovoked aggression” towards Ukraine.
He told his hosts that “we stand side by side in protecting and advancing our shared democratic values” in defending the country, and thanked Germany for their “extraordinary hospitality” in taking over a million Ukrainian refugees.
“This, it seems to me, so powerfully demonstrates the generosity of spirit of the German people,” he added.
He joked too he was a big fan of the famous German sausage, as he wooed guests including German royal cousins, former German chancellor Angela Merkel and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse.
“My wife and I have been so deeply touched by the warmth of the welcome that has been extended to us in Germany – just as we have on each of our previous visits to this very special country.
“Remarkably, I realise I have visited Germany more than forty times – a measure of the importance of this relationship, of course, but also, I fear, of just how long I have been around.”
Referring to the late Queen Elizabeth, he said the bond between the two countries “mattered greatly to my mother”.
The state banquet capped a historic day in which the King and Queen Consort received an official welcome in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of peace and unity and the first time the location has been used to greet a foreign head of state.
Before touching down in Berlin, German Typhoon fighter jets flew alongside the RAF voyager to escort the Royal party.
Upon arrival at the Berlin-Brandenburg government airport, Their Majesties paused at the top of the aeroplane steps for the 21-gun salute, fired from nearby field guns.
Two military jets carried out a fly past.
The Queen Consort, wearing a turquoise Bruce Oldfield dress and coat with a matching Philip Treacy hat, walked down the steps behind the King.
Her Majesty wore a brooch from the late Queen which was a given to her by Queen Mary on her 1942 confirmation.
At the bottom of the steps the King and Queen Consort were introduced to Dorte Dinger, State Secretary; Mr Till Knorn, the chief of German Protocol at the Foreign Ministry; and Jill Gallard, the British Ambassador to Germany.
The King and Queen Consort then walked along a red carpet flanked by a Guard of Honour provided by the Federal Defence Forces of Germany.
The King and Queen Consort were introduced to other dignitaries, including His Excellency Miguel Berger, German Ambassador to the UK, before departing for the Brandenburg Gate where they received a full ceremonial welcome watched by crowds of well-wishers.
It was the first time that a head of state has been formally welcomed at the Brandenburg Gate.
During an afternoon reception at Palace Bellevue, the German president’s official residence, Mr Steinmeier lauded Charles for his long-time commitment to creating a more sustainable world.
“You are, quite literally, the driving forces behind the energy transition,” he said. “You are helping to make the world a better place.”
The German president also hailed a “new chapter” in relations between the two countries saying the three-day visit was an “important gesture”.
Charles met with German government ministers, experts and advocacy group representatives during the reception.
On Thursday, the king is scheduled to give a speech to the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament. He will also meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz, talk to Ukrainian refugees, and meet with British and Germany military personnel who are working together on joint projects. In the afternoon he will visit an organic farm outside of Berlin.
The royal couple plan to go to Hamburg on Friday, where they will visit the Kindertransport memorial for Jewish children who fled from Germany to Britain during the Third Reich, and attend a green energy event before returning to the UK.
The trip has been partly overshadowed by the postponement of the French leg of the European tour, which was shelved by President Emmanuel Macron last Friday after violent nationwide protests against the French leader’s retirement age reforms.
The decision was made amid reports the King may have been targeted during further demonstrations planned by protestors to coincide with the visit.
