German President Steinmeier begins state visit with royal welcome at Windsor

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Windsor today (Wednesday) for a landmark visit to the United Kingdom.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla welcomed the President and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, Germany’s First Lady, to Windsor Castle for a three-day state visit.

President Steinmeier is the third foreign leader to be hosted at Windsor Castle in 2025, and the first German head of state to make an official visit to the UK in 27 years. The German President previously attended the King’s coronation in May 2023.

King Charles III’s first state visit after his coronation took him to Germany in 2023, and he has travelled to the country more than 40 times as Prince of Wales.

Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport this morning, President Steinmeier and Ms Büdenbender were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales before travelling to Windsor.

There, King Charles and Queen Camilla received them at the Royal Dais amid Royal Salutes fired in Windsor’s Home Park and at the Tower of London.

A ceremonial carriage procession brought the visiting party to Windsor Castle, where a Guard of Honour delivered another Royal Salute.

King Charles and President Steinmeier travelled in the Irish Stage Coach, while Queen Camilla accompanied Ms Büdenbender in the Scottish Stage Coach.

The regimental band performed both national anthems before the President, escorted by The King, inspected the Guard of Honour and observed a military march-past.

The President and First Lady viewed a special Royal Collection exhibition highlighting historical connections with Germany after lunch in the State Dining Room.

President Steinmeier then met the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street for discussions involving UK and German business leaders, while Ms Büdenbender visited the Judith Kerr Primary School in London.

This evening, a state banquet will be held at Windsor Castle, during which King Charles and the German President are expected to give speeches.

Tomorrow (Thursday), the President and Ms Büdenbender will make a private visit to St George’s Chapel to lay flowers at the Tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.

They will later join the King and Queen at a reception with The Big Help Out, celebrating the impact of volunteering, and view the historic State Sleigh designed by Prince Albert.

After departing Windsor, the President and First Lady will continue their programme in London, including visits to Parliament, the German Embassy, the Bobby Moore Academy, and the V&A East Storehouse.

On Friday, they travel to Coventry – twinned with the German cities of Kiel and Dresden – before heading to Oxford, where President Steinmeier will receive an honorary degree from the University of Oxford.