The President of Germany has paid a private visit to the tomb of
Queen Elizabeth II as the second day of his State Visit got under
way.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier left flowers on the grave in the King
George VI Chapel inside St. George’s Chapel during a time of
reflection there with his wife, Elke Budenbender.
The tomb is rarely photographed and is usually only seen up
close by visitors to St. George’s Chapel.
It has become usual, too, for visiting Heads of State to pay
their own tributes there. In July, President Emmanuel Macron of
France laid flowers there and in September, US leader Donald Trump,
also made a private visit to put a wreath on the tomb.
The tribute from President Steinmeier came after a successful
start to his State Visit which is being hosted by King Charles and
Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
The German President was given a ceremonial welcome which saw
him enjoy a carriage ride, in the Irish State Coach, though Windsor
to the castle, accompanied by The King.
The Queen and Elke Budenbender followed in the Australian State
Coach which had earlier been spotted in Windsor during rehearsals
carried out by the military who put on such a spectacular show
during the opening day.
Inside Windsor Castle, President Steinmeier inspected a Guard of
Honour before being welcomed to lunch by the Royal Family. They all
later enjoyed a tour of artefacts from the Royal Collection linked
to Germany.
The State Banquet in the evening saw a host of famous German
faces, including model Claudia Schiffer, join The King and Queen as
well as the German leader and his wife.
The Royal Family, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
and the Princess Royal, were present.
The Princess of Wales surprised many
by wearing a tiara usually only used by queens. The Circlet tiara
was designed by Prince Albert and belongs to the Crown.
The second day of the State Visit will see President Steinmeier
visit Westminster as well as east London where he will tour the
V&A Storehouse.
On the third day, he is going to Coventry where he is
expected to be joined by the Duke of Kent for a memorial
service at the cathedral.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source royalcentral.co.uk ’
