Royal pageantry on full show at Windsor

The King and Queen have welcomed the President of Germany to
Windsor on a State Visit set to cement relations between the two
countries.

King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his
wife, Elke Budenbender, warmly as they arrived at the ceremonial
welcome in Windsor.

There were kisses on both cheeks for Queen Camilla from
Germany’s First Lady as the two saw each other – they have met on
many previous occasion and seem to get on very well.

President Steinmeier had been greeted on his arrival in England
by the Prince and Princess of Wales who were waiting at the foot of
his plane steps as it taxied into position at Heathrow.

The couple then accompanied the German President and First Lady
to Windsor for the ceremonial part of the State Visit.

Royal Salutes were fired from the East Lawn within the Windsor
Home Park and by The Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of
London.

The national anthem of Germany was played and the Sovereign’s
Escort gave a Royal Salute.

There was then a carriage procession to Windsor Castle which
began with both national anthems being played as the coaches
departed.

King Charles and the President of Germany rode in the Irish
State Coach while Queen Camilla and Elke Budenbender were in the
Australian State Coach which had been spotted during final
rehearsals for the event in Windsor the day before.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were in the Scottish State
Coach.

The carriage procession went through Windsor and the Cambridge
Gate before heading to the George IV Gateway and into the
Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.

There, the official welcome continued with President Steinmeier
and The King invited to inspect a Guard of Honour.

King Charles and Queen Camilla also hosted a lunch for their
guests where they were joined by members of the Royal Family.

Both Queen Camilla and the
Princess of Wales chose bright blue for the start of the State
Visit with The Queen also wearing a sapphire and diamond brooch
that had been presented to Queen Victoria by her German born
husband, Prince Albert.

Later, The King and Queen will host a State Banquet in St.
George’s Hall.