The State Visit of the President of Germany is about to get
under way with many of the details only revealed once this
important event starts. However, King Charles might just have
dropped a spoiler.
This State Visit, to cement relations between the UK and
Germany, has seen hours of practise to make sure everything is
perfect. And as the final rehearsals got under way, a rather big
clue to one of the set pieces was hinted at.
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The final run throughs included the Australian State Coach which
was seen riding through Windsor as the military went through their
paces one more time before the arrival of President Frank-Walter
Steinmeier and his wife, Else Budenbender. Army, Navy and Air Force
personnel have put in countless hours of rehearsal to make sure the
ceremonial aspects of this visit are perfect.
Their last practises included the Australian State Coach, a big
hint that this prestigious carriage will play a major part in the
State Visit which will see The King ride in procession with the
President of Germany through the streets of Windsor.
Charles III will need more than one carriage for this set piece
spectacle as Queen Camilla will accompany Else Budenbender during
the procession which is also expected to include the Prince and
Princess of Wales.
The Australian State Coach was built in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth II who received it as a gift from the people of
Australia. It was presented to her in Canberra in 1988 and first
used in London during the State Opening of Parliament.
It’s a popular choice for the royals as it has heating as well
as hydraulic stabilisers, making it one of the most comfortable of
all their carriages.
© Crown copyright 2025
It’s featured in many major royal events in the last twenty
years, being used by William and Kate and their three children
during the Coronation of King Charles III. Prince George, Princess
Charlotte and Prince Louis joined their parents in the carriage for
the procession to and from Westminster Abbey on the day that King
Charles and Queen Camilla were crowned.
Hundreds of troops will take part in the ceremonial welcome for
the German President and First Lady.
The State Visit will also seen King Charles and Queen Camilla
host the couple for lunch.
The evening will include a glittering State Banquet in St.
George’s Hall at Windsor which has already been decorated with a
giant Christmas tree and festive garlands.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source royalcentral.co.uk ’
