On a chilly but sunny day in Windsor, the town found itself at the center of international attention as it hosted the first German state visit in almost three decades.
Military parades from the Navy, Marines, and RAF were lined up imposingly along the streets, creating a scene of ceremonial splendour.
Her and the UK’s flags flew at every corner, almost woven into the landscape, lending an intensely celebratory – but also deeply symbolic – atmosphere, which emphasized the historic nature of the day.
Since early morning, all the main roads had been closed off, a suffocating police cordon had been set up, and seven lines of men and women of the royal guard band had lined up in front of the castle’s main entrance, their brass instruments reflecting the winter light.
A few minutes before the arrival of the procession, special vehicles placed the final layer of sand on the horse and carriage route, preparing a perfect setting for the arrival of the German President.
The highly diplomatic visit is a critical moment for the United Kingdom, which continues efforts to reorient its foreign policy after Brexit.
At 12.10pm, hundreds of residents and visitors watched as three royal carriages made their appearance. In the first were King Charles III and the German president, in the second Queen Camilla with First Lady Elke Budenbender, while in the third were the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Diplomatic targeting
State visits are methodically organized by the Foreign Office, with the aim of strengthening critical international relations.
Unlike Trump’s visit, which was confined to the oldest and largest castle in the world, today’s reception was characterized by splendor and extroversion, as if constantly underlining the importance and historicity of the moment.
The visit cements the Kensington Agreement, which was signed in July and lays the foundations for closer military cooperation, enhanced business partnerships and even plans for a direct rail link between the UK and Germany.
The British government is also seeking deeper cooperation to tackle illegal immigration flows, as the National Crime Agency has reported that equipment used by smuggling rings has been found stored in Germany.
In the evening, at a formal dinner in St George’s Hall, there will be an exchange of gifts and speeches, with the king expected to speak partly in German, as is customary on visits involving Germany.
The dimension of history
The visit also carries a heavier dimension, as it is the first state visit by a German president to Britain since 1997 – an event that brings back memories from the darkest pages of joint history, while at the same time underlining the long, persistent process of rapprochement and trust-building between the two countries.
On Friday, the first couple will travel to Coventry Cathedral, an iconic site of remembrance.
There they will commemorate the victims of the devastating 1940 bombing by the Luftwaffe – the most severe and devastating attack ever suffered by a British city during the Second World War.
Their presence in this sacred space gives the visit a human, almost ritualistic dimension of reconciliation.
Economic developments
There were plenty of smiles in Downing Street from the Starmer staff; a pervasive sense of satisfaction spread across the Cabinet staff.
The British prime minister’s warm handshake with the German president and the overt displays of goodwill were so strong that the positive energy reached the side of the journalists attending the meeting.
The first day of the visit was accompanied by a major announcement: a £20m investment to develop new electric vehicle technology, as part of a UK-German partnership centered on Mercedes.
This ambitious project, which draws on know-how from Formula 1’s state-of-the-art engines, is expected to create more than 150 specialist jobs in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire, boosting the country’s technological and industrial map.
President Steinmeier also took part in a discussion at No 10 Downing Street, alongside the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and top business leaders from Britain and Germany. This meeting was aimed at deepening economic ties and exploring new strategic partnerships.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Brexit had caused “difficulties” in relations between Britain and Germany.
The German president emphasized: “We are in a new security situation in Europe – if not in the whole world. That is why there is a need for even closer cooperation.
“We also discussed economic relations and strengthening ties between our businesses, as well as exchange and contacts between our people.”
He added: “So after some years since 2016 which have been characterized by increasing difficulties, I believe we are now in a much better position. We must work to improve our relations and become even closer, in a world that is changing and bringing new threats to all of us.”
Keir Starmer said relations between Britain and Germany are “very, very strong”.
Speaking in Downing Street, the Prime Minister underlined: “When you said we were opening a new chapter, we really are.
“And I believe that the relationship between our two countries is in an extremely strong position at every level – from contacts between our peoples, to cooperation in defense and security, the work we do in trade and the economy, but also our contribution to the ‘coalition of the willing’, where we have taken a leading role.
This historic visit highlights the clear will of London and Berlin to remain close partners at a time when Europe is faced with shifting geopolitical balances.
From the grand procession to Windsor to the new economic deals and the symbolic historical references, the message being sent is clear: the two countries seek to strengthen a relationship that, however complex the past, is still a foundation of European stability.
