Kate Middleton and Prince William Greet German President During His State Visit to the U.K.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales, wait to greet the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife Elke Büdenbender as they arrive at Heathrow Airport.
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Jeff Spicer/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Kate Middleton and Prince William welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender to the U.K. for their official state visit.
• The couple greeted Steinmeier and Büdenbender at Heathrow Airport before heading to Windsor Castle for a meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
• Steinmeier’s visit marks the first by a German president to the U.K. in 27 years.

On December 3, 2025, Prince William and Princess Catherine greeted German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender at Heathrow Airport. This state visit, the first by a German president in nearly three decades, reflects the enduring diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Both royal representatives, aged 43, exchanged smiles and handshakes with the visiting couple as they disembarked from their flight. Princess Catherine showcased British fashion, wearing a dress by Burberry alongside a blue coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and earrings that belonged to the late Princess Diana. To further honor her husband’s royal role, she accessorized with the Prince of Wales Feathers Brooch.

Prince William and Kate Middleton welcome Germany’s president at Heathrow Airport in London on December 3, 2025.

Jeff Spicer/Getty

This is the third state visit to the U.K. this year that Prince William and Princess Kate have facilitated. Earlier, they welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, in July. During that visit, Princess Kate made a notable fashion statement by wearing French designer Christian Dior for the first time. In September, they also greeted U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump upon their arrival at Windsor Castle.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales wait to greet the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife.

Jeff Spicer/Getty

Following their arrival, President Steinmeier and First Lady Büdenbender headed to Windsor, where they were formally welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The event included a royal salute at Windsor’s Home Park and the Tower of London.

Upon their arrival at Windsor Castle, the couple was received by a Guard of Honour. The national anthems of both Germany and the U.K. were played before President Steinmeier and King Charles inspected the troops. The royal family later joined the visiting dignitaries for lunch in the Green Drawing Room, followed by a special exhibition showcasing items from the Royal Collection, which relate to Germany.

Britain’s Prince William (R), Prince of Wales speaks with Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (2nd R) as Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales (centre L) introduces dignitaries to his wife Elke Buedenbender (centre R) during their arrival at London Heathrow Airport.

Jeff Spicer / POOL / AFP via Getty

In the afternoon, President Steinmeier is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other political and business leaders at No. 10 Downing Street. Meanwhile, First Lady Büdenbender will visit the Judith Kerr Primary School in southeast London, named after the renowned German-born British writer and illustrator.

Later that evening, King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a state banquet at Windsor Castle for President Steinmeier and his wife, where both leaders are expected to deliver remarks to the distinguished guests.

Kate Middleton and Elke Buedenbender at Heathrow Airport on December 3, 2025.

Jeff Spicer / POOL / AFP

While this marks President Steinmeier’s first official state visit to the U.K., he has previously visited London in an official capacity. In November 2018, he attended the Remembrance Day service, becoming the first German leader to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph war memorial alongside members of the royal family.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Prince Charles attend the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial at The Cenotaph on November 11, 2018.

Karwai Tang/WireImage

This visit is significant, marking an important moment in Anglo-German relations as both countries continue to build on their diplomatic and cultural connections.