King Charles and Queen Camilla Embark on a Royal Carriage Ride with Germany’s President at the Start of Their State Visit
Elke Budenbender, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor on Dec. 3, 2025.
Credit :
Carl Court/Getty
Key Highlights from the State Visit
- King Charles and Queen Camilla formally welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, as they began their state visit to the United Kingdom.
- Following a warm reception from Kate Middleton and Prince William at Heathrow Airport, the official welcome ceremony was held at Windsor Castle.
- The couple arrived at Windsor Castle in a royal horse-drawn carriage procession.
On December 3, 2025, King Charles and Queen Camilla extended a royal greeting to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, marking an important diplomatic occasion. After being welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales at Heathrow Airport, the visiting dignitaries proceeded to Windsor Castle for the formal ceremony.
Upon their arrival, a Royal Salute was performed in the Home Park and at the Tower of London, after which the group participated in a horse-drawn carriage procession. King Charles and President Steinmeier traveled together in the Irish State Coach, while Queen Camilla and First Lady Büdenbender made their way in the Australian State Coach.
The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the procession in the Scottish State Coach, accompanied by Dr. Dörte Dinger, State Secretary, Head of the Office of the Federal President, and David McAllister MEP, Vice President of the European People’s Party.
At Windsor Castle’s Quadrangle, a Guard of Honour greeted the dignitaries with another Royal Salute, with the regimental band playing the national anthems of both Germany and the United Kingdom. After inspecting the Guard of Honour alongside King Charles, President Steinmeier reconvened with the royal family to observe the military rank and march past.
For the welcome, Queen Camilla and Princess Kate coordinated their outfits in blue, complemented by King Charles and Prince William in matching blue ties. Queen Camilla donned a sapphire blue silk dress under a cashmere coat, accentuated by a feather hat and a historic sapphire and diamond brooch once belonging to Queen Victoria.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, King Charles, Queen Camilla, Elke Buedenbender, Prince William and Kate Middleton on Dec. 3, 2025.
Toby Melville – Pool/Getty
Princess Kate also showcased British fashion with a Burberry dress and a coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Her accessories included earrings that once belonged to Prince William’s late mother, Princess Diana, alongside the Prince of Wales Feathers Brooch, reflecting her husband’s royal title.
Following the ceremony, the royal family will host a luncheon in Windsor Castle’s Green Drawing Room, where they will showcase items from the Royal Collection that connect to Germany.
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, while First Lady Büdenbender will visit the Judith Kerr Primary School in southeast London, honoring the German-born British writer and illustrator.
German state visit to the U.K. on Dec. 3, 2025.
Toby Melville – Pool/GettyÂ
Later in the evening, the King and Queen will host President Steinmeier and First Lady Büdenbender for a state banquet at Windsor Castle. Both leaders are expected to deliver remarks to the attendees.
This visit marks the first state visit to the U.K. by a German president in 27 years. President Steinmeier previously made headlines in November 2018, becoming the first German leader to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph war memorial during Remembrance Day alongside members of the royal family.
Queen Camilla and King Charles at the welcome to the German state visit on Dec. 3, 2025.
Toby Melville / POOL / AFP via Getty
This engagement represents the third state visit hosted by the U.K. this year, following visits from French President Emmanuel Macron in July and U.S. President Donald Trump in September.
