Germany's Steinmeier receives royal welcome in UK state visit after 27 years.
In a grand ceremony, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was accorded military pomp as he embarked on his first official visit to the UK in 27 years. At the heart of this historic moment were the traditional trappings of British royalty: 41 guns thundered out in a salute at Windsor Castle, while an oversized Royal Standard flag waved above the iconic building. Steinmeier's wife Elke Büdenbender accompanied him on this occasion.
As part of his three-day trip to the UK, Steinmeier was joined by King Charles and Queen Camilla on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor's streets, marking the start of an eventful visit. The German leader will pay a poignant visit to Coventry Cathedral, which bore the scars of WWII, as well as engage in talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
During these meetings, Steinmeier acknowledged that European relations were under threat due to the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. However, he also expressed optimism about the UK-German relationship following the signing of the Kensington treaty in July, which marks a significant shift towards greater cooperation between the two nations. According to Steinmeier, this renewed partnership can help address pressing global issues such as security and economic development.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed Steinmeier's sentiments on several key issues, including Ukraine, migration, and trade. He pointed out that both countries had a long-standing stance against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Steinmeier also expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening ties between the UK and Germany, particularly through the exchange of students, scholars, and businesses. The two nations, he said, were "far better shape" than they had been after Brexit, thanks to the recent treaty.
The visit culminated with a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle's St George's Hall, where Steinmeier was welcomed with an extravagant six-metre Christmas tree adorned with 3,000 lights. In the tradition of exchanging gifts, Charles presented Steinmeier with a handmade walking stick and decorative plate, while the German president reciprocated with an umbrella and artisanal cheese.
However, not everyone was delighted by the state visit. Campaign group Republic staged protests outside Windsor Castle, where police allegedly threatened protesters who held "Charles, what are you hiding?" banners. The police argued that they had merely intervened to facilitate a peaceful protest, but the anti-monarchy group accused them of restricting free speech.
Despite these controversies, Steinmeier's visit marked an important milestone in UK-German relations and underscored the need for closer cooperation between Europe's leading nations in addressing the challenges facing the continent.
In a grand ceremony, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was accorded military pomp as he embarked on his first official visit to the UK in 27 years. At the heart of this historic moment were the traditional trappings of British royalty: 41 guns thundered out in a salute at Windsor Castle, while an oversized Royal Standard flag waved above the iconic building. Steinmeier's wife Elke Büdenbender accompanied him on this occasion.
As part of his three-day trip to the UK, Steinmeier was joined by King Charles and Queen Camilla on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor's streets, marking the start of an eventful visit. The German leader will pay a poignant visit to Coventry Cathedral, which bore the scars of WWII, as well as engage in talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
During these meetings, Steinmeier acknowledged that European relations were under threat due to the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. However, he also expressed optimism about the UK-German relationship following the signing of the Kensington treaty in July, which marks a significant shift towards greater cooperation between the two nations. According to Steinmeier, this renewed partnership can help address pressing global issues such as security and economic development.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed Steinmeier's sentiments on several key issues, including Ukraine, migration, and trade. He pointed out that both countries had a long-standing stance against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Steinmeier also expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening ties between the UK and Germany, particularly through the exchange of students, scholars, and businesses. The two nations, he said, were "far better shape" than they had been after Brexit, thanks to the recent treaty.
The visit culminated with a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle's St George's Hall, where Steinmeier was welcomed with an extravagant six-metre Christmas tree adorned with 3,000 lights. In the tradition of exchanging gifts, Charles presented Steinmeier with a handmade walking stick and decorative plate, while the German president reciprocated with an umbrella and artisanal cheese.
However, not everyone was delighted by the state visit. Campaign group Republic staged protests outside Windsor Castle, where police allegedly threatened protesters who held "Charles, what are you hiding?" banners. The police argued that they had merely intervened to facilitate a peaceful protest, but the anti-monarchy group accused them of restricting free speech.
Despite these controversies, Steinmeier's visit marked an important milestone in UK-German relations and underscored the need for closer cooperation between Europe's leading nations in addressing the challenges facing the continent.
Germany's visit to the UK is like a breath of fresh air after 27 years! 
Steinmeier and Keir Starmer are like two peas in a pod, agreeing on most issues 
. I'm loving the new treaty between their countries, it's a step in the right direction for global issues like security and economic growth 
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, and I love how Steinmeier and Queen Camilla got along 
. But, can't help but feel that the royal family is getting a bit too big for their britches 
. And those protesters outside Windsor Castle? Totally justified in asking Charles some tough questions 
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. The exchange of students, scholars, and businesses is going to be a game-changer 
. We need more international cooperation like this to tackle the big issues facing our world 
. What do you guys think about Steinmeier's visit? 
. On one hand, it's heartening to see a renewed commitment to EU unity and cooperation between Germany and the UK. The Kensington treaty is indeed a significant step forward, acknowledging that global issues like security and economic development require joint efforts.
. I mean, what's the point of all this grandeur when the underlying power structures remain unchanged? Is it just about pageantry or is there something more profound at play? Are we still dancing to the tune of history or forging new paths?
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! I mean, 27 years is a looong time, so it's great that they're finally getting together again 
. The horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor's streets was super classy, and it's awesome that King Charles and Queen Camilla were there to welcome him back 
! Six metres tall with 3,000 lights is just...wow 
. I mean, I'm no expert, but wouldn't that thing have taken down the entire castle if it was left up for the whole year? 
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It's not cool when free speech is restricted.
. We need more partnerships like this to tackle global problems together. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good exchange of gifts? 
It's all about building bridges, right? 
. And I love how Steinmeier's got a sense of optimism about their partnership - that's what we need more of in this world 
. And can I just say how nice it was to see Steinmeier all dressed up with his wife Elke looking lovely too 
- it's moments like these that remind us what diplomacy can achieve when done right 
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This whole thing feels kinda staged to me... I mean, who throws a lavish state banquet with a six-metre Christmas tree after 27 years of no official visit? It just doesn't add up 
. And have you seen those protest banners? "Charles, what are you hiding?" - yeah right, like they're just gonna let that slide 
. Something doesn't feel quite right here... 
