King Charles makes history

King Charles III made history this week during his first state visit since his accession last year. Princes William and Harry’s father became the first British monarch to address the German Bundestag, while the national parliament was in session.

Speaking both German and English, His Majesty’s speech celebrated the “deep historical bonds and longstanding links” between the UK and Germany.

“Today, it gives me particular pride to be with you once again, now as King, and to renew the special bond between our two countries,” the King said in his remarks. “This friendship meant so much to my beloved Mother, The late Queen, who often spoke of the fifteen official visits she made to Germany, including her five State Visits.”

Charles also recalled in his speech, his first visit to Germany back when he was a teen. He said, “I can hardly begin to express the pride I feel in the strength of the partnership between our two countries. Germany, her people and distinctive culture have made such a profound impact on me over so many of my previous visits. Since I first came to Germany when I was just 13 years old, I have grown to become familiar with the different corners of this remarkable land.”

The monarch continued, “Like many British people, I have close personal ties here – in my case, cherished family relationships and associations that go back generations. For all of us, however, there are countless points of connection and common experience in the British-German story, which has unfolded over nearly two millennia.”