King Charles declared that Britain and Germany stand united in support of Ukraine and are prepared to strengthen Europe’s defences against further Russian aggression during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening.
The monarch delivered his remarks in St George’s Hall as he hosted German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whose three-day state visit to the UK is currently underway.
Speaking amid heightened European tensions with Russia this week, the King told assembled guests: “The United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression.”
The banquet marked a significant moment of Anglo-German solidarity as Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv’s European allies of undermining peace efforts.
King Charles declared that Britain and Germany stand united in support of Ukraine and are prepared to strengthen Europe’s defences against further Russian aggression during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening.
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The King highlighted the German-British Bridging Battalion stationed at Minden as a cornerstone of the two nations’ defence cooperation, describing it as “literally building bridges” and “a unique partnership at the heart of Nato.”
King Charles noted he had visited the battalion during his state visit to Germany two years ago.
His comments came as Putin rejected amendments to a draft peace plan proposed by Ukraine and European nations, declaring Moscow was “ready” for conflict with Europe.
The UK Government dismissed these remarks as “sabre-rattling” and “claptrap.”
King Charles also reflected on the 36 years since the Berlin Wall fell, acknowledging that subsequent political and social upheavals had tested democratic values and caused fear among many.
The State Banquet marked a significant moment of Anglo-German solidarity as Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv’s European allies of undermining peace efforts.
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The evening was not without lighter moments, as the King touched on the football rivalry between the two nations.
“There was, one has to admit, some element of truth in the famous description of football as a game where 11 people play 11 people, and then, in the end, the Germans win!” Charles quipped to guests.
Among those present were supermodel Claudia Schiffer and her husband, filmmaker Sir Matthew Vaughn, as well as composer Hans Zimmer, Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse, and Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger and England Lioness Georgia Stanway represented the footballing world.
Earlier, President Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, arrived by carriage procession with full military ceremony.
The evening was not without lighter moments, as the King touched on the football rivalry between the two nations.
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President Steinmeier responded with his own address, drawing attention to the German origins of beloved British Christmas customs.
With a large festive tree adorning St George’s Hall, he remarked: “The atmosphere here is very familiar. After all, not all British people may be aware of this, but some of the best-loved Christmas traditions in this country originated in Germany.”
He noted that Queen Charlotte had displayed the first Christmas tree at Windsor in 1800, a tradition that soon spread to homes across Britain.
The Royal Family’s Germanic roots run deep, with Queen Victoria’s mother being German and her husband, Prince Albert, credited with popularising the Christmas tree nationwide.
Steinmeier echoed the evening’s central theme, pledging both nations would work “side by side for a free, peaceful Europe, side by side in support of Ukraine.”