German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender paid a private visit to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Thursday morning, where they placed flowers at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s final resting place.
The gesture has become customary for visiting heads of state during their time at Windsor.
Mr Steinmeier was among those who attended the late monarch’s funeral in 2022.
Following her death, he paid tribute, saying: “Queen Elizabeth II was your most gracious queen, and she was also a true friend and shining example to us.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender paid a private visit to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Thursday morning, where they placed flowers at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s final resting place.
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The couple had stayed overnight at the castle after Wednesday’s State Banquet.
Later on Thursday, the presidential couple joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for a Big Help Out reception celebrating the positive effects of community volunteering.
As they toured the bustling venue, the Queen guided Ms Büdenbender past various charity displays, describing them as “brilliant”.
The event saw the King and President walking side by side, while their wives navigated the opposite end of the room.
Mr Steinmeier was among those who attended the late monarch’s funeral in 2022.
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An amusing moment unfolded when the King and Queen found themselves face to face unexpectedly amid the crowded gathering, prompting both to burst into laughter at the indoor commotion.
The Steinmeiers had joined their hosts at approximately 10am for this final engagement.
The German president is set to deliver an address to Parliament, marking his second major speech of the state visit after his remarks at Wednesday evening’s banquet.
This parliamentary platform represents an honour that eluded Donald Trump during his second state visit to Britain in September, when the House of Commons was not in session due to recess.
Mr Steinmeier’s banquet speech touched on both lighter subjects and weightier matters, including references to German humour and the footballing prowess that King Charles had playfully acknowledged, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Mr Steinmeier’s banquet speech touched on both lighter subjects and weightier matters, including references to German humour and the footballing prowess that King Charles had playfully acknowledged, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During his banquet address, Mr Steinmeier spoke of the close partnership between Britain and Germany on matters of European security and defence.
“We are working together to promote security and defence, side by side for a free, peaceful Europe, side by side in support of Ukraine,” he told guests.
The president also addressed the need to repair connections that had been strained following Brexit, with particular emphasis on opportunities for younger generations.
“Young people should again be able to forge friendships more easily. They should be able to study, learn, work – on both sides of the English Channel,” he said, adding that they should “experience the things that connect us: shared values, freedom and democracy.”