King Charles arrives at Bundestag for day 2 of state visit to Germany
The King took home some German cheese and his wife Camilla munched on dairy delights and honey as the royal couple were greeted by more crowds in Berlin today.
On the second day of his historic state visit, the British monarch was warmly welcomed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as he arrived at the Federal Chancellery building.
He and Queen Consort Camilla later met up at the city’s Wittenbergplaztz food market on a brief visit before the king became the first British monarch to address German politicians in the Bundestag.
The royal couple also spoke with a variety of local business owners who discussed the history of the market and the products.
Charles shared a series of big laughs from the crowd and the shopkeepers, who were eager for the couple to sample their sausages, cheese, honey, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
King Carlos III points and laughs as he visits a food market on the second day of his royal tour
Camilla says hi and Charles gets juice at a stall this morning.
Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey, Britain’s King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, visit a farmers’ market on Wittenbergplatz today.
The queen consort gives a thumbs up during a visit to the Wittenbergplatz market where she had some honey.
An armed policeman scans the building surrounding the market.
Today at lunchtime, Charles will deliver a speech to the Bundestag celebrating the deep historical ties and long-standing ties between Germany and the UK.
The King and Queen Consort’s state visit to Germany, the first of Charles’ reign, began on Wednesday with a ceremonial salute at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate.
The monarch was supposed to be in France earlier in the week but was called off by President Macron due to ongoing protests over his pension reforms.
Speaking at a state banquet held in his honor on Wednesday night, Charles vowed to “strengthen connections” between Britain and Germany while paying tribute to the “enduring value” of the relationship between the two nations.
Germany has taken in over a million Ukrainian refugees seeking refuge after Russia invaded their homeland and Charles will visit the Tegel Refugee Center to meet some members of the group.
Separately, the queen consort will visit the Refugio House community center, a meeting place for locals and new residents of Berlin, including refugees.
Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort (left) and Berlin’s ruling Mayor Franziska Giffey (right) greet supporters
camilla taste some honey
An armed police officer stands guard as Britain’s King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, visit a farmers market.
King Charles’ trip to Germany has been a great success.
In an impromptu stroll, the monarch was affectionately offered a crown, a paper one, at the first official engagement of his state visit to Germany yesterday.
He was taking a walk through the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin when he ran into several supporters wearing ‘Burger King’ crowns gifted by the fast food giant.
A man removed his and tried to press it into the king’s hands, saying politely, ‘This is for you, if you want it.’
Charles smiled broadly and said, ‘I’m fine!’ He, of course, has several real ones at home. He too smiled and turned down another crown from a woman who said, ‘I have a present for you.’
The King was also seen bending down to pick up a man’s cap before handing it back to him, with the grateful well-wisher thanking him and bowing.
Charles and Camilla, who posed for selfies with fans, were formally welcomed at the Brandenburg Gate by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, before the national anthems were played.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz receives King Charles III of Great Britain this morning at the chancellery in Berlin.
Charles jumps out of his royal car as he begins the second day of his historic trip to Germany
Charles and Scholz speak at the Chancellery in Berlin
King Charles and Queen Camilla are welcomed at the Brandenburg Gate by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buedenbender.
In a sign of the importance placed on the visit, the couple received the first full ceremonial and military welcome at the landmark since World War II. Even Queen Elizabeth II, who also visited Berlin on her last state visit abroad in 2015, was not given that honor.
They were scheduled to fly from Paris, but the first part of their visit to France was canceled at the last minute by President Macron amid scenes of widespread civil unrest in his country. It will be reorganized at a later date.
The King spoke for the first time this afternoon about the cancellation of the visit, telling a reporter that he was “very sad”.
In Berlin, the queen consort donned a colorful turquoise coat and gown by Bruce Oldfield and a jaunty hat by Philip Treacy.
And in a beautiful personal detail, she was wearing a brooch belonging to Queen Elizabeth, given to the late monarch by Queen Mary at her confirmation in 1942.
The king’s foresight on climate change was hailed by President Steinmeier at a green energy reception held at Schloss Bellevue.
The monarch followed a translation of the president’s comments in a handout and smiled warmly as Steinmeier repeated them in English.
He also thanked the King for making his first state visit to Germany, saying: “This visit, His Majesty’s first trip abroad as the new King, is a tremendous personal gesture, and for that I would like to express my sincere thanks.” I am looking forward to the next few days and the many opportunities we will have to exchange views.’
The monarch was told that work on a submarine power cable between the Isle of Grain in Kent and Wilhelmshaven in Germany will begin this year, adding: “This first direct power link highlights how closely Germany and the UK are working together to make our economies climate neutral.
“I regard this as an encouraging example, just as Her Majesty’s visit to Germany is encouraging.”