King Charles III speaks affectionately of ‘close personal ties’ to Germany in his first address to Bundestag as monarch
King Charles III has become the first British monarch to address the Bundestag, German Parliament, speaking warmly of the cultural ties between the two nations.
During the historic address, the King spoke of his first visit to Germany’s “remarkable land” at 13 years old. He also talked affectionately of his “close personal ties to the country”, made deeper by his “cherished family relationships”.
He noted that “with all of us, there are countless points of connection and common experience in the British-German story, which has unfolded over nearly two millennia.”
King Charles III has become the first British monarch to
address the Bundestag, German Parliament, during his historic state visit to
the country.
The 74-year-old monarch on Thursday delivered a
speech to the German politicians, while the parliament was in session,
paying tribute to the deep historical bonds and longstanding ties between
the two nations.
The King, who would officially be crowned
alongside his wife Queen Consort Camilla on May six, spoke to the Bundestag
at length about "the pride" he feels in the "strength of the partnership"
between Germany and Britain. He also talked affectionately of his “close
personal ties to the country”, made deeper by his “cherished family
relationships”.
In his address, he also remembered the late Queen as he said
the friendship between the two nations "meant so much to my beloved mother,"
who spoke often of her visits to the country.
The new King spoke
warmly of the cultural ties between Germany and the UK, noting that the
first Shakespeare association was established not in England, but in Weimar,
and that the music of George Frideric Handel will be played at his
coronation. He also thanked the German people for their "extraordinary
kindness" following the death of the Queen last September.
The
monarch noted that "with all of us, there are countless points of connection
and common experience in the British-German story, which has unfolded over
nearly two millennia."
Charles also spoke of the war in Ukraine, saying: "Countless
lives have been destroyed; freedom and human dignity have been trampled in
the most brutal way. The security of Europe has been threatened, together
with our democratic values,” he said. “Even as we abhor the appalling scenes
of destruction, we can take heart from our unity – in defense of Ukraine, of
peace and freedom."
King Charles and Camilla, who arrived in
Germany on the inaugural state visit of his reign on Wednesday, were
welcomed by 21-gun salute and a flypast. The couple to remain in the country
until Friday.
