German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender expressed heartfelt gratitude to King Charles and Queen Camilla as they concluded their three-day state visit at Windsor Castle.
The presidential couple praised the lavish dinner held in their honour on Wednesday evening, with Ms Budenbender describing it as “really so wonderful unbelievable.”
President Steinmeier told the King: “You were so generous, inviting us, the staying of the night we had a good breakfast and a wonderful banquet yesterday.”
He added: “We will never forget it.”
The two couples posed together for photographs before the German visitors departed from the royal residence.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender expressed heartfelt gratitude to King Charles and Queen Camilla as they concluded their three-day state visit at Windsor Castle.
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GETTY
The white-tie dinner took place in the castle’s grand St George’s Hall, bringing together prominent German figures who have made significant contributions to British business, culture and sport.
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer attended alongside her filmmaker husband Sir Matthew Vaughn, while Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer and Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse were also among the distinguished guests.
Those present enjoyed an elegant menu featuring hot smoked trout served with langoustines, followed by Windsor partridge as the main course.
The meal concluded with baked Alaska accompanied by blackberry, vanilla and raspberry ice creams, all paired with fine wines.
King Charles and Queen Camilla stood waving as the presidential couple departed from Windsor Castle.
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During their farewell, Queen Camilla and Ms Budenbender exchanged kisses, with the German first lady saying: “It was so wonderful, all the best.”
The Queen responded warmly, expressing hope they would meet again soon, telling her: “Hopefully see you again before too long really lovely to see you again.”
Camilla also turned to President Steinmeier, adding: “I hope we’ll meet again.”
As the German leader made his way towards his waiting car, he called out “Happy Christmas” to his royal hosts.
King Charles and Queen Camilla stood waving as the presidential couple departed from Windsor Castle.
The presidential couple praised the lavish dinner held in their honour on Wednesday evening, with Ms Budenbender describing it as “really so wonderful unbelievable.”
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GETTY
Earlier in the day, the royal couple introduced their German guests to a piece of Victorian history, showing them Queen Victoria’s winter wonderland sleigh.
Ms Budenbender exclaimed “wow” upon seeing the carriage, reaching out to touch its striking red upholstery as the group learned about its origins, having been designed by Prince Albert in 1842 as a present for his wife and restored six years ago.
Various charities with royal connections gathered at the castle to present their work.
The organisation Citizen Hub invited all four to participate in an oversized snakes and ladders game, with players rolling foam dice and answering questions based on where they landed.