Camilla’s the belle of the Berlin ball! King Charles and his glittering Queen consort – wearing late Queen’s diamond necklace – attend first State Banquet of his reign as German President welcomes the pair to Bellevue Palace
- King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla are on a three-day State Visit
- The Queen dazzled onlookers with her jewels at a formal reception tonight
The Queen Consort glittered at a State Banquet tonight to honour her and the King’s State Visit to Germany.
Camilla, 75, was the belle of the ball in a striking black evening dress with dazzling silver embroidery by Bruce Oldfield.
She also sported the honeycomb Boucheron diamond tiara, a favourite of the late Queen Mother that was also worn by Queen Elizabeth.
On her gown she sported the Grand Cross (Special Class) of the Federal Order of Merit, given to her today by the German President, as well as the late Queen’s fringed diamond necklace. Her Majesty also wore The Garter Star – which was Queen Victoria’s Queen’s Family Order.
The King was no slouch in the style stakes, either.
The King and Queen Consort have been welcomed at a glittering formal banquet in Berlin to mark their first state visit to Germany.
Camilla, Queen Consort attends a State Banquet at Schloss Bellevue, hosted by the President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
His Majesty wore white tie, with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany 1st class sash, which he was also presented with today by The President.
He also sported the Diamond Order of the Bath Neck Order and miniature medals.
The dinner was held at the stunning Schloss Bellevue, a palatial 18th Century former royal residence in Berlin that now serves as the presidential home.
Among the guests were former Chancellor Angela Merkel, dancer Motsi Mabuse and Canpino, the Anglo-German lead singer of best-selling punk band The Dead Trousers.
They dined on marinated carp and watercress, chicken and mushroom with a blackberry malt reduction and a prune and black tea desert, washed down by three different wines or non-alcoholic cocktails.
The King gave a warm and witty speech recalling fond memories of beerhalls and Bavarian sausage as he and the Queen Consort attended a glittering state banquet banquet in Berlin tonight.
Charles also praised the warmth and ‘enduring value’ of the UK’s relationship with Germany.
The King, who is undertaking his first state visit abroad since his accession to the throne, said he and his wife had already been ‘deeply touched by the warmth of the welcome that has been extended to us in Germany – just as we have on each of our previous visits to this very special country’.
He said: ‘Remarkably, I realise I have visited Germany more than forty times – a measure of the importance of this relationship, of course, but also, I fear, of just how long I have been around!
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla (together in centre) are welcomed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (right) and his wife Elke Buedenbender (left)
It is the first state visit by the King and Queen Consort since he acceded to the throne on September 8 last year
Among the guests was former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who stepped down in November 2021 after 16 years in office
The Queen Consort (left) sported the honeycomb Boucheron diamond tiara, a favourite of the late Queen Mother that was also worn by Queen Elizabeth
‘I also think fondly of the time my wife and I sampled Bavarian sausages at a farmers’ market in Munich, and found ourselves drinking beer and waltzing around at the Hofbräuhaus! I can understand why St Boniface, an English monk, who is famous for having preached in Germany, is also a patron saint of brewers!’
He continued: ‘Over all these years, and in so many ways, I have been struck by the warmth of the friendship between our nations and by the vitality of our partnership in countless areas.
‘It was, Mr President, a friendship which mattered greatly to my mother, The late Queen, who cared deeply about the bond between our two countries.
‘I did want to thank you all, once again, for the profoundly touching messages of support and affection we received from so many people in Germany following the sadness of her death last year. Ladies and Gentlemen, your kindness meant more to my family and myself than I can possibly express.
‘The relationship between Germany and the United Kingdom matters greatly to me, too, Mr President, and I am more convinced than ever of its enduring value to us all.
‘It means so much to us that my wife and I could come to Germany for this very first overseas tour of my reign. I can only assure you, that throughout the time that is granted to me as King, I will do all I can to strengthen the connections between us. ‘
The King made a particular reference to both countries’ support for Ukraine, saying: ‘This is epitomised so clearly today as we stand together with Ukraine in defence of freedom and sovereignty in the face of unprovoked aggression. In this regard, I did want to pay a particular tribute to Germany’s extraordinary hospitality in hosting over one million Ukrainian refugees.
This, it seems to me, so powerfully demonstrates the generosity of spirit of the German people.
Camilla, 75, was the belle of the ball in a striking black evening dress with dazzling silver embroidery by Bruce Oldfield
First Lady Elke Buedenbender shares a joke with Camilla, Queen Consort, as they arrive at Schloss Bellevue
King Charles III and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The King wore the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany 1st class sash, presented to him by the President
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) greets the Queen Consort at tonight’s banquet
Horst Koehler (left), former German president, and his wife Eva Luise Koehler arrive for a white tie dinner at presidential palace Schloss Bellevue
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner and his wife Franca Lehfeldt pose outside the palace
Germany’s Christian Democratic Union party (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz (right) attends Bellevue Palace for tonight’s state banquet hosting the King and Queen Consort
‘Mr President, Germany and the United Kingdom are deeply invested in each other’ futures. I am utterly convinced that the connections between us will grow ever stronger as, together, we pursue a more sustainable, prosperous and secure future.‘
The dinner was held at the stunning Schloss Bellevue, a palatial 18th Century former royal residence in Berlin that now serves as the presidential home.
Among the guests were former Chancellor Angela Merkel, dancer Motsi Mabuse and Canpino, the Anglo-German lead singer of best-selling punk band The Dead Trousers.
They dined on marinated carp and watercress, chicken and mushroom with a blackberry malt reduction and a prune and black tea desert, washed down by three different wines or non-alcoholic cocktails.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described Britain’s decision to leave the EU as a ‘sad day’ but stressed the State Visit was a chance to show how the move, six years ago to the day, had not driven a wedge between the two countries.
He said: ‘It is six years to the day since the British Government submitted its letter notifying the European Union of its intention to withdraw. Let me say in all honesty that, for me personally, this was a sad day. And plenty of people in Germany felt the same. Back then many feared that Brexit could make the Germans and the British drift apart. However, this did not happen. Too strong are the ties between our countries, too close the friendships between our people, too precious the reconciliation efforts after two World Wars.’
He added amusingly: ‘Our partnership has grown throughout the centuries. Even football was an English invention that the Germans were all too keen to take on. And although not every game is a friendly, it is good that these days German and British rivalries are only ever played out on the football pitch.’
Highlighting the close connection between the UK and Germany, he said: ‘Nothing shows this deep connection as clearly, as splendidly, as your visit to Germany and to Europe, Your Majesty, on this your very first foreign trip as King. With this highly symbolic visit, you are making a tremendous personal gesture for which I would like to express my heartfelt thanks.
March 29 2017 marked the start of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. Today, exactly six years later, we are opening a new chapter! Our situation is different as we look to the future, yet we are doing so together. No matter what lies ahead, I know that our German-British friendship will remain significant and will remain firm. Our friendship is important and it is strong!
‘Particularly in these times, we can sense the depth of our connection. The Russian attack on Ukraine, the first war of aggression against a neighbouring country in Europe since World War Two, has stirred up memories of the darkest days on our continent. But Putin’s brutal calculation did not come to fruition. He did not drive a wedge between Europe’s democracies. We, the NATO allies, the United Kingdom and the EU stand closer than ever before! We are helping those who have been attacked as they fight for their freedom and independence.’
He also paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as woman ‘whom we all profoundly admired and highly honoured’.
He added: ‘Your family is the embodiment of continuity, of stability. Particularly in these times of change and starting anew.
‘Your trip to Germany with your wife, Queen Consort Camilla, prior to your coronation is also a strong European gesture. It means a great deal to me and to us Germans.‘
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla are welcomed at the Brandenburg Gate by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buedenbender
Earlier today, King Charles was affectionately offered a paper crown as he passed through the Brandenburg Gate on the first official engagement of his State Visit to Germany.
The monarch came across a number of well-wishers who were wearing ‘Burger King’ crowns given away by the fast food giant.
One man took his off 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 alright!’ He, of course, has a number of real ones at home. He also grinned and declined 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 back to him, with the grateful well-wisher thanking him and bowing.
Charles and Camilla – who posed for selfies with fans – were formally greeted at the Brandenburg Gate by Germany’s president Frank-Walter Steinmeier and wife Elke Budenbender before the national anthems were played.
In a sign of the importance placed on the visit, the couple were given the first full ceremonial and military welcome at the landmark since the Second World War. Even Queen Elizabeth II, who also visited Berlin for her last ever State Visit abroad in 2015, wasn’t afforded that honour.
READ MORE: MEET KING CHARLES’ GERMAN COUSINS WHY MAY ATTEND STATE BANQUET TONIGHT
King Charles is set for a family reunion today as he will dine with a number of his cousins during a state visit to Germany (Pictured in 2016, with his distant cousin Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg outside Castle Langeburg)
They had been due to fly in from Paris but the first part of their visit to France was cancelled at the 11th hour by President Macron amid scenes of huge civil unrest in his country. It will be re-arranged at a later date.
The King spoke for the first time this afternoon about cancelling the visit, telling a reporter it was ‘very sad’.
In Berlin, Queen Consort sported a colourful turquoise coat and dress by Bruce Oldfield and a jaunty hat by Philip Treacy.
And in a beautifully personal detail, she was sporting a brooch that belonged to Queen Elizabeth, given to the late monarch by Queen Mary on 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 remarks in a booklet and smiled warmly as Mr Steinmeier repeated them in English.
The President told guests in the building’s grand Langhanssaal: ‘I am grateful that King Charles III began to champion healthy nutrition, sustainability and climate action very early on. We are all benefiting today from Your Majesty’s convictions.’
He also thanked the King for making his first State Visit to Germany, saying: ‘This visit, Your Majesty’s very first trip abroad as the new King, is a tremendous personal gesture – and for that I would like to express my heartfelt thanks. I am looking forward to the coming days and to the many opportunities we will have to exchange views.’
The monarch was told that this year work will begin on an undersea power cable between the Isle of Grain in Kent and Wilhelmshaven in Germany, with the President adding: ‘This first direct energy link highlights how closely Germany and the United Kingdom are working together to make our economies climate-neutral.
‘I regard this as an encouraging example – just as Your Majesty’s visit to Germany is encouraging.’
At a reception designed to highlight the work of the UK and Germany in promoting climate and sustainability efforts, the King met Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Dr Robert Habeck and heard how the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue is advancing the global green transition.
The event, which coincides with the State Visit, is a leading international forum for politicians, policymakers, industry, science and civil society.
The King met guests including the UK’s foreign minister James Cleverly, Energy Ministers, CEOs, experts and academics
At one point during the walkabout, the King bent down to pick up a man’s cap before returning it back to him
The grateful well-wisher bowed and thanked the King, who continued moving down the line
Charles was undertaking a walkabout at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin when he came across a number of well-wishers who were wearing ‘Burger King’ crowns given away by the fast food giant
Elke Buedenbender, Germany’s first lady, stands alongside the Queen Consort after welcoming her to Berlin
Charles’ joins the German president to plant a tree in honour of Queen Elizabeth II
The tree was planted as part of the Green Canopy initiative in memory of the late Queen
The King chats with attendees at a Green Energy reception at Bellevue Palace
Charles is known to be passionate about green issues and looked animated during the event
King Charles leaves Bellevue Palace accompanied by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
He had an animated chat with a group of young climate activists in Berlin for the Dialogue and was presented with a traditional ‘lengyan phi’, a handwoven scarf from Manipur in India, by 11-year-old Licypriya Kangujan.
Referring to the issue of climate change in her home country, the monarch said: ‘I know what a huge challenge it is in India.’
Licypriya, who was in Germany with her mother Bidyarani, said afterwards: ‘It was really nice to meet King Charles III, I really never hoped it might happen.
‘I was really happy and excited to meet him. We had a conversation about the loss and damage in India and about climate finance and climate justice.
‘It’s good to know that he has always been working for the environment.’
Elizabeth Wathuti, 27, from Kenya, said: ‘It was great to have a conversation with the King and share with him what we really need and the realities of climate change.’
Mitzi Jonelle Jan, 25, from the Phillipines, added: ‘We were able to talk about the oil spill in the Phillipines and climate reparations and finance and how there needs to be more pressure.’
The King and President Steinmeier posed for a photograph with the group before leaving to plant a tree in the garden of the presidential palace.
The two men were locked in conversation as they walked to the spot where an ash tree had been positioned and took turns to shovel soil around the tree, with the King patting the tree trunk once they had finished.
The sapling was planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.
The foursome seemed to enjoy each other’s company as they chatted in front of the famous landmark
Camilla and Germany’s first lady Elke Buedenbender walk past an honour guard by the Brandenburg Gate
The King inspected a guard of honour that had gathered to greet him
Charles shakes hands with Mr Steinmeier, the German president, who he is friends with
A man wears a paper crown and a Union flag while waiting for the royals to arrive
Charles is handed a blue paper bag by a wellwisher in Berlin today
Charles will become the first monarch to address the German parliament, with a speech tomorrow, before travelling to the port city of Hamburg on Friday.
It is being seen as a sign of the importance that both Governments are placing on the visit post-Brexit and in the face of the conflict in Ukraine.
The Royal Family’s unique brand of ‘soft diplomacy’ is seen as a significant weapon for the British government to build on the already strong historic ties between the two countries.
Today, Charles and Camilla put out a statement sharing their excitement about the visit.
‘Ahead of our first State Visit to Germany, we are very much looking forward to meeting all of those who make this country so special,’ they wrote.
‘It is a great joy to be able to continue the deepening of the longstanding friendship between our two nations.’
Charles and Camilla landed at Berlin Brandenburg Airport on the British Government’s Voyager plane shortly after 2pm local time after leaving from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire this morning.
In a unique gesture of honour, two German fighter jets accompanied their plane when it entered German airspace. Amid brilliant blue skies, one flew on each side of the royal aircraft for around 20 minutes.
The couple arrived at the Brandenburg Gate in their State Bentley, which has been brought to Germany specially, at Pariser Platz and posed for a short photocall with their hosts with the historic monument behind them.
The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most important landmarks, and was commissioned by King Frederick William II and finished in 1791.
Camilla, Queen Consort was accompanied by First Lady Elke Buedenbender
Crowds waving the flags of the UK and Germany were out in force to greet the King
Camilla also proved a hit with well-wishers, who gave her gifts and flowers
Camilla being handed a blue bobble hat by a woman in Berlin this afternoon
The Queen Consort poses for a selfie with a well-wisher outside the Brandenburg Gate
Some of those gathered were British servicemen, diplomats and their families
Charles smiles as he shakes hands with a man holding a photograph
Thousands of people gathered for the spectacle of Charles and Camilla arriving at the Brandenburg Gate
After the construction of the Berlin Wall, it became a memorial of division, as it was located in the restricted area and could not be visited by East or West Germans.
Following the fall of the Wall, the gate became a symbol of German unity.
The two couples then walked, chatting warmly, towards the Gate where the President and the King stood on a dais for the playing of the National Anthems and the raising of their respective flags.
His Majesty was then invited by the President to inspect the Guard of Honour as the Prussian Inspection March was played.
Afterwards the men and their spouses split up to greet some of the 1,500 members of the public, including pupils from local schools, members of the Royal British Legion, and British Embassy staff and families, who had been allowed to welcome them.
Some of the crowds were carrying home-made welcome banners or carrying flowers, while several ladies were wearing garden party-style hats.
At one point, Charles came across a number of well-wishers who were wearing ‘Burger King’ crowns given away by the fast food giant.
One man took his off 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 alright!’ He, of course, has a number of real ones at home.
He also grinned and declined another crown from a woman who said: ‘I have a present for you’.
Crowds carrying German and British flags wait to greet the royals in Berlin
Charles greets well-wishers following a welcome ceremony at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
The trip to Berlin is the first State Visit by King Charles since the start of his reign
German troops massed at the Brandenburg Gate, where Charles and Camilla are being given a full ceremonial welcome
The King made a point of shaking as many hands as he possibly could asking several students where they went to school.
When one told him she had recently been to London he said: ‘Oh marvellous. You found your way around? Oh, you went to Buckingham Palace! ‘
Another lady shouted: ‘Welcome to Germany Your Majesty’ and the king beamed broadly.
Julie-Ann Brooker, from Kent, was left shaking after meeting the monarch.
She said: ‘He asked me if I had come far and I said ‘from Kent!’ It was such a wonderful moment, he was a lovely, lovely man. My husband has just started a job here. I can’t believe that I have come to Germany and met His Majesty. It’s a moment I will never forget.’
Another man gave the king a series of photographs of him serving the then Prince of Wales fish and chips on an earlier visit, while another shouted; ‘Have a nice time in Germany.’
A little Hadley Drake, eight, got away with telling the king firmly to ‘wait’ while she took a picture of him on her brightly-coloured toy camera.
The British youngster, who was being carried by her father at the front of the crowd, told the monarch that she wanted to get a better shot of him – and scooped the waiting press photographers by being rewarded with her own brief personal photocall.
The late Queen visiting the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in 2015. Even she was not afforded the honour of a full ceremonial and military welcome at the famous site
Queen Elizabeth II greets children holding Union flags during her visit to Berlin in 2015
Camilla – Queen Consort signs the official guest book as King Charles III and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier look on at Schloss Bellevue presidential palace
Charles takes his turn to sign the guestbook at the Schloss Bellevue presidential palace
‘Wait!’ she declared. ‘Hey you look…..’ but the king never got to hear how her picture had come out.
Charles and Camilla had been due to fly in from Paris but the first part of their visit to France was cancelled at the 11th hour by President Macron amid scenes of huge civil unrest in his country. It will be re-arranged at a later date.
Charles will become the first monarch to address the German parliament, with a speech tomorrow, before travelling to the port city of Hamburg on Friday.
It is being seen as a sign of the importance that both Governments are placing on the visit post-Brexit and in the face of the conflict in Ukraine.
The Royal Family’s unique brand of ‘soft diplomacy’ is seen as a significant weapon for the British government to build on the already strong historic ties between the two countries.
Today, Charles and Camilla put out a statement sharing their excitement about the visit.
‘Ahead of our first State Visit to Germany, we are very much looking forward to meeting all of those who make this country so special,’ they wrote.
‘It is a great joy to be able to continue the deepening of the longstanding friendship between our two nations.’
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla walk along the red carpet at Berlin Brandenburg Airport after arriving at 2pm local time
Charles and Camilla exchanged a few words after they descended down the steps of the aircraft
In a beautifully personal detail, Camilla was sporting a brooch that belonged to Queen Elizabeth, given to the late monarch by Queen Mary on her confirmation in 1942
Charles and Camilla looked relaxed as they worked their way along the line of dignitaries
A royal source said: ‘The fact that the programme has so many unique ceremonial elements to it does reflect the strength of the relationship and the fact that this is the first State Visit of Their Majesties reign. The atmosphere in which this has been planned is extraordinarily positive.
‘Their Majesties are very alive to the particular context of Ukraine at the moment which is obviously one of the challenges we are facing together in Europe.’
At the airport today the King and Queen Consort were greeted by a twenty-one gun salute and a fly-past to mark the start of their State Visit.
The couple paused at the top of the plane steps to receive the salute as two military jets carried out a fly past.
As they descended the King and Queen Consort were greeted by State Secretary Dörte Dinger; the Chief of German Protocol at the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Till Knorn; and the British Ambassador to Germany, Jill Gallard.
In a unique gesture of honour, two German fighter jets accompanied the King and Queen Consort’s RAF Voyager plane when it entered German airspace
The Queen Consort sported a colourful turquoise coat and dress by Bruce Oldfield and a jaunty hat by Philip Treacy
Their Majesties walked along a red carpet lined by a Guard of Honour, provided by the Federal Defence Forces of Germany before being introduced by the the Chief of Protocol to Miguel Berger, German Ambassador to the UK, Major General Wolfgang Gäbelein, Director of the Bundeswehr, Mrs. Andrea Kundrus, Protocol Officer for the State Visit, and Mrs. Zsófia Liptak-Jeken, Protocol Officer for the State Visit.
The visit has been designed to celebrate Britain’s relationship with Germany, marking its shared history, culture and values with the UK.
It will also provide an opportunity to demonstrate the many ways the United Kingdom is working in partnership with Germany on issues including climate change and the conflict in Ukraine, as well as develop opportunities in trade and investment and arts and culture.
There will be a significant number of engagements emphasising the United Kingdom’s bilateral relationship with Germany and, no doubt to the king’s delight, highlighting the importance of sustainability and community.
The royal couple moments before stepping out of the aircraft to be greeted by an honour guard
At the airport today the King and Queen Consort were greeted by a twenty-one gun salute and a fly-past to mark the start of their State Visit
Today, Charles and Camilla put out a statement sharing their excitement about the visit
Amid brilliant blue skies, one flew on each side of the royal aircraft for around 20 minutes
Another view of the spectacular moment – which happened as the RAF Voyager entered German airspace
The British government’s liveried Voyager plane – with Charles and Camilla inside – touches down on the runway in Berlin
Camilla and Charles are seen through the window of their official car as they drove off from the airport
The Queen Consort waves to crowds and she leaves Berlin Brandenburg Airport with her husband
The King steps into his car for the drive into the centre of Berlin
The Royal Air Force plane had the German national flag and the Royal Standard flying out of the pilot’s window
An honour guard waits on the runway in Berlin for the King and Queen Consort to leave the aircraft
A large group of police motorcyclists prepares to accompany the royal motorcade
Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen Consort would also ‘reflect on the sacrifices and challenges of our shared past, out of which has come an enduring legacy of cooperation and reconciliation.’
This is the King’s 29th official visit to Germany. Her Majesty has undertaken three official visits, the last in 2020.
At a banquet at the Bellevue Palace – the president’s official residence – Charles is expected to make a speech in both English and German.
Charles will also meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz, talk to Ukrainian refugees and meet with British and German military personnel who are working together on joint projects.
It is the first joint battalion between the countries for more than two centuries and was reinstituted 18 months ago.
Members of a German honor guard march past the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin as they rehearse for the couple’s arrival
Thirty-nine year old Ewa from Berlin holds a Union Jack flag with a picture of Queen Elizabeth II
Members of German Armed Forces practice the hoisting of the Union Jack ahead of Charles’ arrival
A police sharp shooter stands atop a building overlooking the Brandenburg Gate
A man fastens the red carpet in front of the Brandenburg Gate as the city prepared to welcomed Charles and Camilla
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