New details of the incoming state visit by the German President and First Lady have been released by Buckingham Palace. King Charles will roll out the royal red carpet for his European guests, who will stay at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, December 3, to Friday, December 5.
All of the usual pomp and pageantry will feature, including a carriage procession through the Berkshire town and a ceremonial welcome in the quadrangle of the Castle. Other highlights include viewing special Royal Collection Trust items related to Germany and attending a glittering state banquet in the impressive St. George’s Hall, where both the King and President Steinmeier will deliver speeches.
On Thursday, the Federal President and Ms Büdenbender will privately visit St George’s Chapel, Windsor, to lay flowers on the Tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.
The main day of pomp and ceremony is on the first day of the state visit, which marks the third time the King has hosted such an event this year. In June, he welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to Windsor, followed by US President Donald Trump in September.
Typically just two inbound state visits are held each year, but the monarch is continued to keep busy despite his ongoing cancer treatment.
On Wednesday morning, the Federal President and Ms. Büdenbender will be greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, on behalf of the King, at Heathrow Airport before travelling to Windsor.
Charles and Camilla will then formally welcome their guests, with a Royal Salute sounding in Windsor Home Park and at the Tower of London to mark their arrival in the UK.
The royal party will then travel in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle where a Guard of Honour will give a Royal Salute and the regimental band will play the German and British National Anthems.
The King will then join the President as he inspects the Guard of Honour before heading inside the Castle for a private lunch.
President Steinmeier will then be treated to a special exhibition of items relating to Germany from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room before heading to Downing Street to meet Sir Keir Starmer.
Separately, Ms. Büdenbender will visit the Judith Kerr Primary School, in south east London, to meet pupils and celebrate the school’s connection to its namesake, the famous German-born British writer and illustrator who authored The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
The day will conclude with a white-tie and tiara dinner in the festively decorated St George’s Hall in Windsor.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.express.co.uk ’
