King Charles today became the first British monarch to address the German Bundestag – delivering almost the entire historic speech in German – as his state visit grew stronger.
There were nods of approval and applause from MPs as His Majesty spoke of the ties between ‘our nations’, and at times the Royal Family seemed emotional to be there.
Charles also spoke touchingly of his mother, the Queen,’s love for Germany and how he was moved by his people’s tributes after she died last September.
The king praised Germany for standing up for Ukraine after the Russian invasion, saying it “threatens” Europe’s security, but was “encouraged” by the “unity” of Britain, Germany and other nations.
He also joked about the rivalry between the two countries on the football field, including the recent defeat of the German women by the Lionesses.
There was also an ovation when he spoke of the nation’s ability to laugh “with and at each other” and their shared love of sports, literature and music, referring to The Beatles and Kraftwerk. But Brexit was not discussed.
Britain’s King Charles addresses members of the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, receiving laughter and rapturous applause as he spoke in German
Charles shared jokes with the MPs, who laughed and applauded his speech
King Charles III addresses members of the German Bundestag in the Reichstag building
Speaking in both German and English, 74-year-old Charles said he was honored to renew ties of friendship between the two countries as he spoke to dignitaries and German MPs.
He also paid a touching tribute to his mother and thanked Germany for the “deep sympathy” of the German people following the Queen’s death.
He added: “This friendship meant so much to my beloved mother, the Queen.”
The king referred to his mother’s first visit to Germany in 1965, when the continent was still ‘marked’ by war.
And he noted that since his last speech in the Bundestag, the scourge of war has returned to Europe.
He said: “The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has caused the most unimaginable suffering to so many innocent people.
“Countless lives have been destroyed, freedom and human dignity trampled in the most brutal way [and] the security of Europe is under threat.’
But he added that the world is “not just watching” and that “we can take courage from our unity.”
“Germany and the UK have shown vital leadership,” he said.
“As Europe’s two largest donors to Ukraine, we have responded decisively. We have made decisions that previously seemed unthinkable.’
Earlier today, the king brought home some German cheese and his wife Camilla munched on dairy delicacies and honey as the royal couple were greeted by more large crowds in Berlin today.
On day two of his historic state visit, the British monarch was warmly greeted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as he arrived at the Federal Chancellery building.
He and the Queen Consort Camilla then met at the Wittenbergplaztz Food Market in the city.
The royal couple also spoke to a range of local entrepreneurs who discussed the history of the market and products.
Charles shared some big laughs with the crowds and merchants, eager for the couple to try their sausages, cheese, honey and fresh fruits and vegetables.
King Charles III points and smiles as he visits a food market on day two of his royal tour
Camilla waves and Charles gets some juice at a stall this morning
Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey, British King Charles and Camilla the Queen Consort visit a farmers’ market at Wittenbergplatz today
The Queen Consort gives her thumbs up while visiting the Wittenbergplatz market where she picked up some honey
An armed police officer scans the building around the market
The King and Queen’s state visit to Germany, the first of Charles’s reign, began on Wednesday with a ceremonial greeting at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate.
The monarch was due to be in France earlier this week, but it was called off by President Macron due to continued protests over his pension reforms.
Speaking at a state banquet held in his honor on Wednesday night, Charles vowed to “strengthen ties between the UK and Germany” while paying tribute to the “enduring value” of the relationship between the two nations.
Germany has welcomed more than a million Ukrainian refugees seeking refuge after Russia invaded their homeland and Charles will visit the Tegel Refugee Center to meet some 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 (L) and the reigning mayor of Berlin, Franziska Giffey (R), greet well-wishers
Camilla tastes some honey
An armed policeman stands guard when Britain’s King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, visit a farmers’ market
King Charles’ trip to Germany has been a huge hit.
On an impromptu walk, the monarch was lovingly presented with a crown – a paper crown – on the first official engagement of his state visit to Germany yesterday.
He was taking a walk near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin when he came across some well-wishers wearing “Burger King” crowns given away by the fast food giant.
A man took his and tried to press it into the king’s hands, saying politely, “This is yours, if you want it.”
Charles smiled broadly and said, “I’m fine!” Of course he has some real ones in the house. He also grinned and refused 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 returning it, with the grateful benefactor thanking and bowing to him.
Charles and Camilla – who posed for selfies with fans – were formally greeted 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 welcomes British King Charles III to the Chancellery in Berlin this morning
Charles jumps out of his royal car at the start of day two of his historic trip to Germany
Charles and Scholz speak at the Berlin Chancellery
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla are welcomed at the Brandenburg Gate by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buedenbender
As a sign of the importance placed on the visit, the couple received the first full ceremonial and military welcome to the memorial since World War II. Not even Queen Elizabeth II, who also visited Berlin in 2015 for her last ever state visit abroad, was given that honour.
They were due to fly over from Paris, but the first leg of their visit to France was canceled at 11 a.m. by President Macron amid major civil unrest in his country. It will be rescheduled at a later date.
The king spoke for the first time this afternoon about canceling the visit, telling a reporter it was “very sad”.
In Berlin, Queen Consort wore a colorful turquoise coat and dress by Bruce Oldfield and a jolly hat by Philip Treacy.
And in beautiful personal detail, she wore a brooch that belonged to Queen Elizabeth, given by Queen Mary to the late monarch at her confirmation in 1942.
The king’s foresight on climate change was praised by President Steinmeier at a green energy reception at Schloss Bellevue.
The monarch followed a translation of the president’s remarks in a booklet and smiled warmly when Herr Steinmeier repeated them in English.
He also thanked the King for his first state visit to Germany, saying: ‘This visit, Your Majesty’s first ever foreign trip as the new King, is a wonderful personal gesture – for which I would like to express my sincere gratitude. I look forward to the coming days and the many opportunities to exchange ideas.’
The monarch was told that work will begin this year on a submarine power cable between the Isle of Grain in Kent and Wilhelmshaven in Germany. making our economies climate neutral.
“I consider this an encouraging example – just as Your Majesty’s visit to Germany is encouraging.”