The royal family greeted Germany's president with an impressive display of pomp and pageantry at Windsor Castle. Crowds lined the streets of the Berkshire town as the King led a carriage procession in the Irish State Coach, accompanied by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the Queen and First Lady Elke Büdenbender following in the Australian State Coach.
With the Prince and Princess of Wales behind them in the Scottish State Coach, accompanied by German state secretary Dr. Dörte Dinger and David McAllister MEP, Vice President of the European People's Party, the procession pulled into the castle's Quadrangle for a ceremonial welcome, with a Guard Honour giving a royal salute and a regimental band playing the German and British national anthems. Other politicians and dignitaries travelled behind in the Ascot Landau.
Kate, in a Burberry dress and royal blue coat by her wedding dress designer, Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, a Prince of Wales feather brooch and earrings belonging to Diana, Princess of Wales, stood next to Prince William as the King and the President inspected the guard, distinguished by the white plume in their bearskin caps, as the band played ‘Marsch des Yorck’schen Korps’ by Beethoven.
Meanwhile, Camilla, in a sapphire blue silk dress and matching cashmere coat by Anna Valentine, with a Philip Treacy feather hat and Queen Victoria's sapphire and diamond brooch, looked deep in conversation with the First Lady. At one point, the Queen broke away to greet Kate with a kiss, and the Princess dipped into a customary curtsy. Watch below...
Following the Inspection, The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the Grenadier Guards' Guard of Honour marched past The King and the President as the Band played 'First and Finest' and 'The British Grenadiers'. Afterwards, the royals and their guests headed inside the castle for lunch.
The first German state visit in 27 years, the three-day visit is designed to strengthen Britain's relationship with Germany. The King, who has German ancestors, visited Germany in 2023 on his first foreign trip after his accession to the throne.
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