German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Duke of Kent have visited the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, which was subject to Nazi bombing during the Second World War.
The president and the duke were presented with wreaths at the site, which were laid on their behalf.
The Duke of Kent, 90, is the only remaining working royal to remember the war and serves as a royal patron of the Dresden Trust and the British German Association.
His father was killed in a plane crash during the war in 1942.
The visit to Coventry, which is twinned with Kiel and Dresden in Germany over their shared experience of bombardment, marks 85 years since the air raid on the West Midlands city.
There were blue skies overhead when the duke was driven in a black Range Rover into the ruins, where he waited for the president.
When Mr Steinmeier walked into the ruins, he shook the 90-year-old’s hand and said “Your Royal Highness, good to see you again”.
The duke responded: “Good to see you again”, before saying good morning to Ms Budenbender.
The visit to Coventry is twinned with Kiel and Dresden.
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The German President was handed the wreath by a cadet with black, yellow and red flowers and a German flag, which translates to “The Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany”.
Mr Steinmeier bowed his head when he was shown the wreath, before having it laid by the cadet on the old cathedral’s altar.
Three other wreaths with white and red flowers were also placed on the ground.
Mr Steinmeier and his wife were then shown inside Coventry’s new cathedral.
Mr Steinmeier and his wife were then shown inside Coventry’s new cathedral.
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Three other wreaths with white and red flowers were also laid.
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Shortly after, they joined the duke in a prayer service led by the Very Reverend John Witcombe.
Mr Witcombe said: “We gather here today in this holy place of ruins and resurrection to welcome the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
“Coventry and Dresden share a story shaped by destruction, rebuilding and courageous friendship.
“Yet our gathering stands for more than the bond between two cities.
Mr Steinmeier and Ms Budenbender have been on a three-day visit to the UK.
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“It speaks of the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Germany – nations that have walked through the devastations of war, embraced reconciliation, and now stand side by side as advocates for peace in Europe and across the world.”
He then read aloud The Lord’s Prayer in German to the congregation, before the president and his wife lit candles.
The King and Queen hosted Mr Steinmeier and Ms Budenbender at Windsor Castle to mark their three-day state visit to the UK
The royals held an incredible dinner service in their honour at St George’s Hall on Wednesday.