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• International
• Foreign affairs

His Majesty The King's speech at the German Bundestag

His Majesty King Charles III spoke to German parliamentarians during his 2023 state visit to Germany, the first state visit abroad for the King and Queen Consort.

Delivered in German:

Mr President, President of the Bundestag, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour to be here today. It means a great deal to both my wife and myself that we have been invited to Germany on my first overseas tour as Sovereign, and it is a particular honour to be here with you where I wish to renew the pledge of friendship between our nations. There could be few better places to do so than in this building which, in its very stones, tells the history of the twentieth century. It is, in itself, a demonstration of what binds our two countries. Burnt in 1933, severely damaged in 1945, in the 1990s it was rebuilt by a British architect to be the Parliament of a re-united democratic Germany; its iconic glass dome a symbol of the transparency and accountability of parliament, from which the citizens, looking down, can literally oversee their politicians at work. Democracy in action!

My wife and I last had the honour of joining you in this chamber in November 2020, on the occasion of Volkstrauertag. Seventy-five years after the Second World War, it was of great importance to me to stand with Germans in honouring all victims of war and tyranny, and to be the first members of my family to participate in those deeply moving commemorations.

That you invited us to join you on that occasion showed how far the United Kingdom and Germany had travelled together in friendship and in peace – just as was demonstrated so powerfully 2 years before, by your presence in London, Mr President, for the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Delivered in English:

Today, it gives me particular pride to be with you once again, now as King, and to renew the special bond of friendship between our countries.

This friendship meant so much to my beloved Mother, The late Queen, who often spoke of the 15 official visits she made to Germany, including her 5 state visits.

The first of those, in 1965, came when our continent was still deeply scarred by war, and the trauma of conflict. Hers was the wartime generation, and like my father, The Queen had served in uniform. That my parents’ 11-day tour of Germany should prove to be a pivotal moment in the reconciliation between our nations was, therefore, a matter of great personal significance to them both.

My Mother understood the immense achievement that reconciliation represented, and in returning to Germany time and again, she was determined to play her own part. It is, perhaps, for this reason that Her late Majesty won a particular place in the affection of the German people.

My family and I were so deeply touched by the reaction in Germany to my Mother’s death. The tributes offered in this chamber, the Union Flag projected onto the Brandenburg Gate, and the thousands of messages in condolence books across the country, offered a tremendous comfort in our time of grief. On behalf of my entire family, I can only offer our heartfelt thanks for the extraordinary kindness that the people of Germany showed to us.

Mr President, President of the Bundestag, since I last spoke in this building the scourge of war is back in Europe. The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has inflicted the most unimaginable suffering on so many innocent people. 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.

The world has watched in horror – but we have not stood by. Even as we abhor the appalling scenes of destruction, we can take heart from our unity – in defence of Ukraine, of peace and freedom.

Germany and the United Kingdom have shown vital leadership. As Europe’s 2 largest donors to Ukraine, we have responded with taking decisions which might previously have seemed unimaginable. Germany’s decision to send such significant military support to Ukraine is remarkably courageous, important and appreciated.

Today, our pilots are flying side-by-side on joint operations over our Baltic allies. Here, in Germany, our armies have established a joint Amphibious Engineer Battalion, which I will visit later today. Germany is the only nation in the world with which the United Kingdom has such a joint unit, an extraordinary testament to the partnership we enjoy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I can hardly begin to express the pride I feel in the strength of the partnership between our 2 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.

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 2 millennia.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the renowned Hanseatic League traded goods from Lübeck and Hamburg to ports up and down the English coast, establishing a trading partnership which underpins our shared prosperity to this day.

Where goods travelled, ideas travelled too. Our people came to be inspired by each other’s example.

We developed a profound admiration of one another’s literature and music, and it is not surprising, therefore, that German was the first language into which Shakespeare was translated. The first Shakespeare Association in the world was established in 1864 – not in England, but in Weimar.

In just a few weeks’ time, the astonishing music of Georg Friedrich Handel – who was born a German, and died British – will once again soar through Westminster Abbey at the Coronation, just as it has at every Coronation since that of my 7 times great grandfather, King George II, in 1727.

Throughout the centuries, people have travelled back and forth between our lands. In the 19th century, many Britons fell in love with Germany whilst on the ‘Grand Tour’. William Turner’s mesmerising paintings of the Rhine sparked in his countrymen the ambition to see those landscapes for themselves – a demand later met by Thomas Cook, the pioneer of tourism, who would organise his first foreign trip along the Rhine, with stops at Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg and Baden-Baden.

Today millions of Britons visit Germany each year, just as millions of Germans travel to our shores. Britons come to admire Berlin’s vibrant culture and nightlife, making up Europe’s largest visitor group to this wonderful city. So we are still admiring of each other’s culture; dependent upon each other’s economies; and inspired by each other’s ideas. More recent generations may think as readily of The Beatles or Kraftwerk, as they do of Brahms or Byron, but the web of cultural connections is as strong as ever.

And perhaps most importantly, for the last 50 years we have laughed together – both at each other, and with each other. And while Miss Sophie’s “The same procedure as every year, James?” does not – I hope – give a very accurate impression of modern Britain, it is, I know, an integral part of a German Happy New Year. In Britain, Germany’s comedy ambassador Henning Wehn has given us an understanding of German quirks, as Monty Python brought our own here. Like all old friends at moments, the warmth of our relationship allows a small smile at each other’s expense.

In some areas there are rivalries, of course, and I think especially of our encounters on the football pitch.

Against this backdrop, it was particularly special last year that the England women’s football team – the Lionesses – could win the Euros against Germany last year. Beyond their sporting success, both teams have promoted gender equality in such an impressive way. In so doing, they inspired a generation – in Britain, Germany and far beyond.

This is just one example of how our countries, together, can offer a compelling example to the world. There are, I am delighted to say, very many more. Faced with so many shared challenges, the United Kingdom and Germany are together providing leadership to secure our shared future.

Today, the United Kingdom and Germany are Europe’s 2 largest producers of power from offshore wind. Many German firms are involved in the production and erection of turbines off the British coast. The North Sea, across which our people have travelled and traded for generations, is soon to be the site of a new interconnector allowing us directly to trade electricity.

Our countries are both accelerating the expansion of our hydrogen economies, the fuel which could transform our future and I am looking forward to seeing Hamburg’s plans to use hydrogen in its efforts to become a fully sustainable port.

These innovations are vital in combatting the existential challenge of climate change and global warming which confronts us all, and as such I was delighted to meet participants of the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue yesterday to hear how countries are accelerating this transition.

For a long time, British and German scientific research has been leading the way. Our countries rank in the top 2 in Europe for founding successful new technology start-ups. Our universities and research institutions collaborate more often with each other than any other two countries in Europe.

This helps to explain why a Berlin-based company has pioneered in London the use of lampposts for electric vehicle charging points, while in Berlin you can book a ride in a fully electric, London-style taxi.

Internationally, too, we are working closely together. We helped initiate the Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa at the climate conference in Glasgow. A further such partnership with Indonesia was the result of much work during Germany’s G7 Presidency.

This essential partnership between our 2 countries is built of the expertise, dedication and ingenuity of countless people in both Germany and the United Kingdom. To them all, I can only offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude.

Tomorrow, we will once again stand with the people of Germany in solemn remembrance. In Hamburg, I will pay my respects at the memorial to the Kindertransporte, which, 85 years ago, saved the lives of more than 10,000 Jewish children from Nazism, and gave them safe passage to new lives in Britain. I will also join you, Mr President, and you, First Mayor Tschentscher, in remembering those who perished in the Allied bombing of Hamburg in 1943.

Heeding the lessons of the past is our sacred responsibility, but it can only be fully discharged through a commitment to our shared future. Together we must be vigilant against threats to our values and freedoms, and resolute in our determination to confront them. Together we must strive for the security, prosperity and wellbeing that our people deserve.

In the long and remarkable story of our 2 countries, there are many chapters yet unwritten. Let us fill these with the restless pursuit of a better tomorrow. The legacy of our past, and the great promise of our future, demand nothing less. Thank you for your attention.

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Speech by His Majesty King Charles III to the German Bundestag

30 March 2023

His Majesty King Charles III spoke to German parliamentarians during his 2023 state visit to Germany, the first state visit abroad for the King and Queen Consort.

[With kind permission from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and His Majesty King Charles III. Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered. The speech was delivered partly in German and partly in English.]

[Delivered in German:]

Mr President, President of the Bundestag , Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour to be here today. It means a great deal to both my wife and myself that we have been invited to Germany on my first overseas tour as Sovereign, and it is a particular honour to be here with you where I wish to renew the pledge of friendship between our nations. There could be few better places to do so than in this building which, in its very stones, tells the history of the twentieth century. It is, in itself, a demonstration of what binds our two countries. Burnt in 1933, severely damaged in 1945, in the 1990s it was rebuilt by a British architect to be the Parliament of a re-united democratic Germany; its iconic glass dome a symbol of the transparency and accountability of parliament, from which the citizens, looking down, can literally oversee their politicians at work. Democracy in action!

My wife and I last had the honour of joining you in this chamber in November 2020, on the occasion of Volkstrauertag . Seventy-five years after the Second World War, it was of great importance to me to stand with Germans in honouring all victims of war and tyranny, and to be the first members of my family to participate in those deeply moving commemorations.

That you invited us to join you on that occasion showed how far the United Kingdom and Germany had travelled together in friendship and in peace – just as was demonstrated so powerfully 2 years before, by your presence in London, Mr President, for the centenary of the end of the First World War.

[Delivered in English:]

Today, it gives me particular pride to be with you once again, now as King, and to renew the special bond of friendship between our countries.

This friendship meant so much to my beloved Mother, The late Queen, who often spoke of the 15 official visits she made to Germany, including her 5 state visits.

The first of those, in 1965, came when our continent was still deeply scarred by war, and the trauma of conflict. Hers was the wartime generation, and like my father, The Queen had served in uniform. That my parents’ 11-day tour of Germany should prove to be a pivotal moment in the reconciliation between our nations was, therefore, a matter of great personal significance to them both.

My Mother understood the immense achievement that reconciliation represented, and in returning to Germany time and again, she was determined to play her own part. It is, perhaps, for this reason that Her late Majesty won a particular place in the affection of the German people.

My family and I were so deeply touched by the reaction in Germany to my Mother’s death. The tributes offered in this chamber, the Union Flag projected onto the Brandenburg Gate, and the thousands of messages in condolence books across the country, offered a tremendous comfort in our time of grief. On behalf of my entire family, I can only offer our heartfelt thanks for the extraordinary kindness that the people of Germany showed to us.

Mr President, President of the Bundestag , since I last spoke in this building the scourge of war is back in Europe. The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has inflicted the most unimaginable suffering on so many innocent people. 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.

The world has watched in horror – but we have not stood by. Even as we abhor the appalling scenes of destruction, we can take heart from our unity – in defence of Ukraine, of peace and freedom.

Germany and the United Kingdom have shown vital leadership. As Europe’s 2 largest donors to Ukraine, we have responded with taking decisions which might previously have seemed unimaginable. Germany’s decision to send such significant military support to Ukraine is remarkably courageous, important and appreciated.

Today, our pilots are flying side-by-side on joint operations over our Baltic allies. Here, in Germany, our armies have established a joint Amphibious Engineer Battalion, which I will visit later today. Germany is the only nation in the world with which the United Kingdom has such a joint unit, an extraordinary testament to the partnership we enjoy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I can hardly begin to express the pride I feel in the strength of the partnership between our 2 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.

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 2 millennia.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the renowned Hanseatic League traded goods from Lübeck and Hamburg to ports up and down the English coast, establishing a trading partnership which underpins our shared prosperity to this day.

Where goods travelled, ideas travelled too. Our people came to be inspired by each other’s example.

We developed a profound admiration of one another’s literature and music, and it is not surprising, therefore, that German was the first language into which Shakespeare was translated. The first Shakespeare Association in the world was established in 1864 – not in England, but in Weimar .

In just a few weeks’ time, the astonishing music of Georg Friedrich Handel – who was born a German, and died British – will once again soar through Westminster Abbey at the Coronation, just as it has at every Coronation since that of my 7 times great grandfather, King George II, in 1727.

Throughout the centuries, people have travelled back and forth between our lands. In the 19th century, many Britons fell in love with Germany whilst on the ‘Grand Tour’. William Turner’s mesmerising paintings of the Rhine sparked in his countrymen the ambition to see those landscapes for themselves – a demand later met by Thomas Cook, the pioneer of tourism, who would organise his first foreign trip along the Rhine, with stops at Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg and Baden-Baden.

Today millions of Britons visit Germany each year, just as millions of Germans travel to our shores. Britons come to admire Berlin’s vibrant culture and nightlife, making up Europe’s largest visitor group to this wonderful city. So we are still admiring of each other’s culture; dependent upon each other’s economies; and inspired by each other’s ideas. More recent generations may think as readily of The Beatles or Kraftwerk , as they do of Brahms or Byron, but the web of cultural connections is as strong as ever.

And perhaps most importantly, for the last 50 years we have laughed together – both at each other, and with each other. And while Miss Sophie’s “The same procedure as every year, James?” does not – I hope – give a very accurate impression of modern Britain, it is, I know, an integral part of a German Happy New Year. In Britain, Germany’s comedy ambassador Henning Wehn has given us an understanding of German quirks, as Monty Python brought our own here. Like all old friends at moments, the warmth of our relationship allows a small smile at each other’s expense.

In some areas there are rivalries, of course, and I think especially of our encounters on the football pitch.

Against this backdrop, it was particularly special last year that the England women’s football team – the Lionesses – could win the Euros against Germany last year. Beyond their sporting success, both teams have promoted gender equality in such an impressive way. In so doing, they inspired a generation – in Britain, Germany and far beyond.

This is just one example of how our countries, together, can offer a compelling example to the world. There are, I am delighted to say, very many more. Faced with so many shared challenges, the United Kingdom and Germany are together providing leadership to secure our shared future.

Today, the United Kingdom and Germany are Europe’s 2 largest producers of power from offshore wind. Many German firms are involved in the production and erection of turbines off the British coast. The North Sea, across which our people have travelled and traded for generations, is soon to be the site of a new interconnector allowing us directly to trade electricity.

Our countries are both accelerating the expansion of our hydrogen economies, the fuel which could transform our future and I am looking forward to seeing Hamburg’s plans to use hydrogen in its efforts to become a fully sustainable port.

These innovations are vital in combatting the existential challenge of climate change and global warming which confronts us all, and as such I was delighted to meet participants of the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue yesterday to hear how countries are accelerating this transition.

For a long time, British and German scientific research has been leading the way. Our countries rank in the top 2 in Europe for founding successful new technology start-ups. Our universities and research institutions collaborate more often with each other than any other two countries in Europe.

This helps to explain why a Berlin-based company has pioneered in London the use of lampposts for electric vehicle charging points, while in Berlin you can book a ride in a fully electric, London-style taxi.

Internationally, too, we are working closely together. We helped initiate the Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa at the climate conference in Glasgow. A further such partnership with Indonesia was the result of much work during Germany’s G7 Presidency.

This essential partnership between our 2 countries is built of the expertise, dedication and ingenuity of countless people in both Germany and the United Kingdom. To them all, I can only offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude.

Tomorrow, we will once again stand with the people of Germany in solemn remembrance. In Hamburg, I will pay my respects at the memorial to the Kindertransporte , which, 85 years ago, saved the lives of more than 10,000 Jewish children from Nazism, and gave them safe passage to new lives in Britain. I will also join you, Mr President, and you, First Mayor Tschentscher , in remembering those who perished in the Allied bombing of Hamburg in 1943.

Heeding the lessons of the past is our sacred responsibility, but it can only be fully discharged through a commitment to our shared future. Together we must be vigilant against threats to our values and freedoms, and resolute in our determination to confront them. Together we must strive for the security, prosperity and wellbeing that our people deserve.

In the long and remarkable story of our 2 countries, there are many chapters yet unwritten. Let us fill these with the restless pursuit of a better tomorrow. The legacy of our past, and the great promise of our future, demand nothing less. Thank you for your attention.

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King's historic speech to German parliament was both serious and personal - with one glaring omission

Speaking in a mix of English and German, he talked about the Second World War, and also about reconciliation and the role his mother played in renewing relations.

Royal correspondent @laurabundock

Friday 31 March 2023 06:17, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

There was huge expectation as the King entered a packed German parliament.

In more ways than one, this was a moment for the 74-year-old monarch to deliver.

And taking to the floor of the chamber for just over 23 minutes, he did just that.

Speaking in a mix of English and German, this was an historic speech .

It was serious, speaking about the Second World War, and it was personal, talking about reconciliation and the role his mother played in renewing relations.

Her visit in 1965, seen as a pivotal moment, was of "huge personal significance" to his parents.

And from past conflicts to the war in Ukraine, his language was strong when he spoke of "the scourge of war" returning to Europe. "The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has inflicted the most unimaginable suffering on so many innocent people," he said.

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Although these words will have been drafted by the government, they felt heartfelt and personal.

There was light relief too, talking about friendly rivalries over football with the Lionesses beating Germany in the Euro 2022 final.

Even jokes too: "Perhaps most importantly, for the last 50 years we have laughed together - both at each other, and with each other."

It was a speech that touched the audience. Designed to show the strength of bonds between Britain and Germany.

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There was though, one glaring omission. No reference to Brexit , or the years of turbulent division. The very reason the King's first state visit was to Europe, not a Commonwealth country.

'He met the moment'

It ended with a standing ovation. He is the first British monarch to address the Bundestag, and for the politicians in the chamber, he'd met the moment.

The King sits above politics but this was a carefully-crafted speech. Showing Britain's place out of the EU but very much an ally of Europe.

Read more: King references Ukraine, his mother and Kraftwerk in speech King's first state visit reaffirming Anglo-German relations Monarch pledges to 'strengthen connections' between UK and Germany

It wasn't just the politicians who've given him a warm welcome.

The King and Queen Consort were mobbed by a large crowd as they made their way through the stalls of a Berlin market, even trading Highgrove honey with a local producer.

The monarch is always above politics and is seen as a source of soft power. But with this speech we saw and heard a much harder message.

Perhaps distinguishably tougher than those delivered by the late Queen.

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King Charles Receives Standing Ovation After Historic Speech at German Parliament

King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently in Germany for the second day of the first overseas tour of their royal reign

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

King Charles earned applause for a royal first as his trip to Germany continued on Thursday.

The King, 74, became the first British monarch to directly address the Bundestag while the German Parliament was in session. Giving the speech in both German and English, the King pointed to the bond between Germany and the U.K. and voiced hope for a bright, shared future.

Noting that the relationship "meant so much to my beloved mother" Queen Elizabeth , King Charles praised Germany's staunch support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia and reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to the cause as well.

"Countless lives have been destroyed. Freedom and human dignity were brutally trampled on. The security of Europe is under threat, as are our democratic values. But the world has not stood idly by. We are shocked by the terrible destruction. But we can draw from our unity — in defense of Ukraine, peace and freedom," he said in German. "Germany and the U.K. have taken important leadership roles. As the largest European donor to Ukraine, we have reacted decisively and taken decisions that might previously have been unimaginable. Germany's decision to provide Ukraine with such great military support is extremely courageous, important and welcome."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, 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," he continued in English. "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."

Pointing out that tourism between the two nations is vibrant, Charles injected a bit of humor with a joke about pop culture.

"So we are still admiring of each other's culture; dependent upon each other's economies; and inspired by each other's ideas. More recent generations may think as readily of The Beatles or Kraftwerk, as they do of Brahms or Byron, but the web of cultural connections is as strong as ever," he said.

Drawing further parallels between the countries, from gender equity advocacy from the women's national soccer teams to exciting scientific innovations in hydrogen, the King said that Germany and the U.K. "can offer a compelling example to the world."

"Faced with so many shared challenges, the United Kingdom and Germany are together providing leadership to secure our shared future," he said.

As seen in a video shared to Twitter by CNN's Max Foster, King Charles received a standing ovation for the remarks.

Queen Camilla accompanied her husband to the Bundestag for the speech, as their three-day royal tour of Germany, the first overseas visit of the new reign, continues. The royals were guests of honor at a glamorous state banquet at Schloss Bellevue last night, and kicked off Thursday with a busy start.

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Charles first met with Chancellor Scholz at the Federal Chancellery building; from there, he and the Queen Consort, 75, stopped at Wittenbergplaztz Food Market to meet local business owners. The King also learned more about the Johanniter first aid organization's work with refugees and met with Ukrainian refugee families.

Queen Camilla moved to the Refugio House community center, a bustling hub offering a wide variety of services for locals and refugees, before reuniting with her husband for his speech at Parliament. After the address, King Charles stepped out solo at the Tegel Refugee Center for a tour of the Ukraine Arrivals Center, while Queen Camilla stopped by the Komishe Oper with Frau Elke Budenbender to learn more about the opera company's outreach projects and community engagement.

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King Charles III addresses German parliament, meets Scholz

Britain’s King Charles III, third right, talks with soldiers during his visit at the 130th German-British Pioneer Bridge Battalion military unit in Finowfurt, eastern Germany, on Thursday, March 30, 2023.(Jens Schlueter /Pool Photo via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III talks with soldiers during his visit at the 130th German-British Pioneer Bridge Battalion military unit in Finowfurt, eastern Germany, on Thursday, March 30, 2023.(Jens Schlueter /Pool Photo via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III, left, addresses the Bundestag, Germany’s Parliament, in Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. King Charles III arrived Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Britain’s King Charles III, center left, waves as he receives a standing ovation after his speech in the German Bundestag in Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. King Charles III arrived Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Britain’s King Charles III visits the arrival center for refugees from Ukraine at the former Tegel Airport together with Franziska Giffey, Governing Mayor of Berlin, on the second day of his visit to Germany in Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. (Bernd von Jutrczenka//DPA via AP, Pool)

Britain’s King Charles III, center, addresses the Bundestag, Germany’s Parliament, in Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. King Charles III arrived Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Britain’s King Charles III speaks in the German parliament Bundestag on the second day of his trip to Germany in Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Before his coronation in May 2023, the British King and his royal wife will visit Germany for three days. (Kay Nietfeld/dpa via AP)

Britain’s King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, center, listen to President of the Bundestag, Germany’s Parliament, Baerbel Bas, standing at left, in the Bundestag in Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. King Charles III arrived Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Britain’s King Charles III, with Camilla, the Queen Consort, signs the guest book at the Bundestag, Germany’s Parliament, as Bundestag President Baerbel Bas, right, watches, in Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. King Charles III arrived Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, Pool)

Berlin’s Mayor Franziska Giffey, Britain’s King Charles and Camilla the Queen Consort visit a farmer’s market on Wittenbergplatz square, in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, March 30, 2023. (Annegret Hilse//Pool Photo via AP)

Britain’s King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort visit a farmer’s market on Wittenbergplatz square, in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, March 30, 2023. (Annegret Hilse//Pool Photo via AP)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomes Britain’s King Charles III at the chancellery in Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. King Charles III arrived Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Germany. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomes Britain’s King Charles III at the chancellery in Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. King Charles III arrived Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Britain’s King Charles III visits the Brodowin organic farm in the village of Brodowin, about 80 kilometers, 50 miles, northeast of Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. King Charles III arrived Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Germany. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, Pool)

Britain’s King Charles III, center, visits the Brodowin organic farm during a thunderstorm, in the village of Brodowin, about 80 kilometers, 50 miles, northeast of Berlin, Thursday, March 30, 2023. King Charles III arrived Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Germany. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, Pool)

Camilla, Queen Consort the wife of Britain’s King Charles III and Germany’s first lady Elke Buedenbender react as they talk with a Komische Oper Berlin performer, next to Managing Director Susanne Moser, during a tour of the opera house in Berlin, Germany, March 30, 2023. (Christian Mang/Pool Photo via AP)

King Charles III of Great Britain, right, leaves the Brodowin ecovillage in the rain, Germany, Thursday, March 30, 2023. A heavy thunderstorm with lightning and thunder upset the strict protocol of the royal visit to the in Brandenburg. (Jens Buettner/DPA via AP, Pool)

King Charles III of Great Britain, right, looks at a cake made especially for his visit in the Brodowin eco-village Germany, Thursday, March 30, 2023. A heavy thunderstorm with lightning and thunder upset the strict protocol of the royal visit to the in Brandenburg. (Jens Buettner/DPA via AP, Pool)

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BERLIN (AP) — King Charles III became the first monarch to address Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, on Thursday as part of a high-profile visit by the U.K. head of state aimed at bolstering ties between the two European powers.

Speaking to lawmakers and other dignitaries in the packed lower house, Charles stressed the close bonds between the United Kingdom and Germany going back centuries, including his own family links to the royal House of Hannover, and the present-day economic, scientific, cultural and military cooperation between the two countries.

Charles noted that London and Berlin have provided considerable aid to Ukraine in its efforts to fend off Russia’s invasion, a point that will appeal to German government officials more used to hearing how their country isn’t doing enough to help Kyiv.

“Germany’s decision to provide so much military support to Ukraine is extremely brave, important and welcome,” Charles said.

Speaking mostly in fluent German, he noted how the intertwined history of the two nations could be seen in the home of the Bundestag itself. The restoration in the 1990s of the former Reichstag building, that was heavily damaged during World War II, was capped with a glass cupola designed by British architect Norman Foster intended as a symbol of transparency and accountability.

“From here the citizens can actually watch their politicians work,” Charles said. “Democracy in action.”

The 74-year-old largely trod on safe territory, making gentle jokes about soccer rivalry, national humor and mutual admiration for each other’s cultures — from the Beatles to Kraftwerk and from Brahms to Byron. Charles briefly touched on the grim history of Nazism and WWII.

Charles and Camilla, the queen consort, will visit Hamburg on Friday to pay respects at a memorial to the Kindertransporte, or children’s transports, which saw more than 10,000 Jewish children rescued from Nazi Germany 85 years ago. They will also commemorate the more than 30,000 people — most of them civilians — killed in the Allied bombing of Hamburg in July 1943.

“Heeding the lessons of the past is our sacred responsibility, but it can only be fully discharged through a commitment to our shared future,” he said. “Together we must be vigilant against threats to our values and freedoms, and resolute in our determination to confront them. Together we must strive for the security, prosperity and well-being that our people deserve.”

When Charles finished his speech, the lawmakers rose for a long, standing ovation, something rarely seen in Germany’s parliament.

Charles is on his inaugural foreign trip since becoming king. He and Camilla arrived in Berlin on Wednesday. Crowds of well-wishers and Germany’s head of state, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, greeted the couple at the capital’s iconic Brandenburg Gate. They later attended a banquet in their honor at the presidential palace.

Pomp and royal glamour aside, the three-day visit has a decidedly political purpose. The U.K. government is trying to mend frayed ties with its continental partners following the painful Brexit process.

The fallout has been considerable: Britain’s departure from the European Union’s common market has resulted in trade barriers and labor shortages, and locked the country out of key European science programs . By devoting special attention to the EU’s two biggest powers — France and Germany — Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes to normalize relations with the 27-nation bloc.

Charles originally planned to stop in France first, but anti-government protests there delayed that part of his trip. That put the focus on Germany, where the U.K. royal family and particularly the late Queen Elizabeth II have long commanded interest and admiration.

Not all were pleased by the visit, however. Jan Korte, a lawmaker with the opposition Left party, said it wasn’t in keeping with Germany’s democratic tradition to have Charles address the country’s highest political body, the Bundestag.

“A king isn’t elected,” Korte told public broadcaster ZDF. “He can obviously speak everywhere and is very welcome, including by me, but I think that particularly in the Bundestag, which is about representing the people, it’s not really appropriate to have a monarch speak.”

Charles has spoken to the Bundestag before, at an event in 2020 commemorating the victims of WWII, though he was still the Prince of Wales at the time.

Before his speech Charles met briefly with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and visited a farmers’ market in Berlin.

After his speech, Charles visited a refugee center for Ukrainians at Berlin’s former Tegel airport, and met representatives from a joint German and U.K. military unit stationed near Berlin to see a demonstration of their bridge-building amphibious vehicles.

Later on Thursday afternoon, he visited an organic farm 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of the capital where he helped make an orange-colored cheese with a crown imprint .

His drive to the countryside was slowed down by torrential rain, and he had to skip a tour of the cowshed with newborn calves. Still, Charles had enough time to try a special, crown-shaped cake made by the farm’s pastry chef in his honor.

When the king’s motorcade left the farm, a few royal fans huddled under umbrellas on a nearby lawn shouted in German “Long live the king,” as Charles waved good-bye from his car.

Kirsten Grieshaber contributed.

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King vows to strengthen ties between UK and Germany in banquet speech to mark first state visit

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King Charles has pledged to “strengthen the connections” between the UK and Germany on the first state visit of his reign.

Charles stressed in a banquet speech on Wednesday evening that he was “utterly convinced” the bond between Britain and one of the EU’s leading nations “will grow ever stronger”.

He spoke in German to say he and Camilla were "deeply touched" by the warm welcome and he praised the "very special" nation.

He drew laughs from guests at the white-tie event when he referenced a British comedy sketch hugely popular in Germany called “dinner for one”, about an elderly aristocrat who dines alone while her waiter gets progressively more drunk as he consumes alcohol poured for her missing dinner guests.

The historic day saw the King and Queen Consort land at Berlin Brandenburg Airport earlier on Wednesday, when they were greeted with a 21-gun salute and a fly-past by two fighter jets as they emerged from the ministerial plane Voyager.

The couple were welcomed at the bottom of Voyager’s steps by a line of dignitaries including the British Ambassador to Germany, Jill Gallard, and the State Secretary Dorte Dinger.

A guard of honour lined the red carpet walked by the couple who made their way to a waiting motorcade, which took them to the German capital, where they received a ceremonial welcome at the Brandenburg Gate.

In the shadow of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate – a national symbol of peace and unity – Germany’s president Frank-Walter Steinmeier and wife Elke Budenbender formally welcomed the King and Queen Consort, heralding a deepening of the post-Brexit relationship between the two countries.

They posed for the waiting photographers with the famous landmark in the background before the national anthems of Germany and the UK were played.

The King inspected a guard of honour, accompanied by the president, before he, Camilla, the German statesman and his wife went on a brief walkabout meeting people waiting behind nearby crash barriers.

One man took off a paper crown and offered it to the King with a smile and the words “This is for you, if you want it.”

Charles shook his head and said “I’m alright”, and also turned down another crown from a woman who said: “I have a present for you.”

Charles and Camilla later sat down to sign a book to commemorate the state visit at the Schloss Bellevue presidential palace.

At an event promoting UK and German climate and sustainability efforts, the German president praised the King’s green “convictions” and thanked him for making the “personal gesture” of choosing his country as the destination for the monarch’s inaugural state visit.

The visit comes after the postponement of the French leg of the European tour, which was shelved by president Emmanuel Macron last Friday after violent nationwide protests against the French leader’s retirement age reforms.

The decision was made amid reports the King may have been targeted during further demonstrations planned by protestors to coincide with the visit.

Charles and Camilla said in a joint statement, released on their official Twitter account, it was a “great joy” to be able to develop the “longstanding friendship between our two nations”.

“Ahead of our first state visit to Germany, we are very much looking forward to meeting all of those who make this country so special,” the King and his wife said in their earlier joint statement.

“It is a great joy to be able to continue the deepening of the longstanding friendship between our two nations.”

Charles will tomorrow give a speech to the German parliament and then on Friday will travel to the port city of Hamburg.

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‘I never thought I’d see The King in real life’: Tourists catch a surprise glimpse of King Charles at Balmoral ceremony

Dozens of tourists lined up outside the Royal Family's summer residence as the traditional event to welcome His Majesty took place.

Meeting a King for the first time is no doubt a “thrilling” experience.

But when that rare encounter comes by surprise, it’s all the more special.

Dozens lined up outside the gates of Balmoral Castle today as King Charles was officially welcomed to the Royal Family’s summer residence with a guard of honour.

Donning a Stewart tartan kilt, His Majesty greeted the regiment and its mascot, Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV, before making his way to the crowds.

Lord Lieutenant Sandy Manson looked on with a kind smile from the gates as The King graced families from far and near with a handshake and a brief chat.

‘It’s a huge honour! We don’t see royals every day’

Trembling with excitement by my side, Christine Lux from Palatinate, Germany, is patiently waiting for her turn.

The 65-year-old is one of 22 tourists who caught the traditional ceremony “completely by chance” while travelling across the north-east.

After three weeks of exploring Scotland – from Glasgow to the Outer Hebrides and Shetland – they had stopped in Ballater for a night before visiting Balmoral.

“It was supposed to be just a normal visit to the castle,” she tells me.

“But look at us now, we are meeting The King himself.

“I’ve been to Scotland six times now, but I have never seen such a scene, such grandeur – with the pipes, the pony and guards.”

As His Majesty gets closer, Christine starts sorting her outfit and diligently putting all of her locks back in place as the chilly wind undoes all of her hard work.

“Do I look OK?” she asks me through a humble chuckle.

“This would probably be the first and the last time I see the King, I need to be in my top form.

“It’s a huge honour…I’m just a simple camping girl, don’t see royals every day.”

Sadly, the King stops his tour among the crowds just before Christine so she misses out on the monumental handshake.

But she is not disappointed as she gets to go back home and tell everyone of her “amazing” surprise encounter with His Majesty.

‘I never thought I’d see The King in the flesh’

Next to Christine is 69-year-old Elisabeth Schmid, who can barely catch her breath, asking dozens of questions about The King, Balmoral and the Lord Lieutenant.

She says the Royal Family is of particular interest to her – after all, she bears the same name as the late Queen who “everyone in Germany adored and admired”.

“I never thought I would see The King in the flesh,” she beams.

“I saw him when he last visited Germany but was only on the TV… He gave such a lovely speech, and I thought to myself ‘Shame, I’d never see him in person’.

“But here we are! This was so interesting to experience.”

‘A lovely surprise’ for long-time fans from Germany

For Andreas Schweizer and his wife Elwira, catching a glimpse of the ceremony is “easily” the highlight of their trip.

And like many others on their German “hotel-bus”, they held secret hope they might see some royalty during their visit to Aberdeenshire.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have been staying at Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate after the monarch attended the Mey Highland Games earlier this month.

The couple were also seen at Crathie Kirk for the weekly Sunday service.

But Andreas never thought their hopes would actually become reality.

The couple from Karlsruhe first saw the King back in 2009 when he was travelling across South Africa as the Prince of Wales.

And they were struck by his “friendly and humble” character.

“He was literally two metres away from us,” Andreas recalls.

“There was no security, nothing – he was just walking about, greeting everybody like a normal person. We have been fans of his ever since.

“It was such a lovely surprise to see him once again here.”

‘The King is very popular in Romania’

Meanwhile, Alex and Sica Mihai first thought something bad had happened when they saw all of the police cars parked around the gates at Balmoral Castle.

The pair, originally from Romania, have lived near London for about eight years.

And while they are used to the buzz around the Royal Family, with thousands of tourists flocking to Buckingham Palace every day, seeing The King was actually a first for them.

“It’s funny how we live in London, but the first time we see The King is here in Scotland – totally by chance while out on a road trip,” 35-year-old Sica smiles.

They add there is a particular sentiment to seeing His Majesty as he is a “well loved” figure in their homeland.

King Charles owns several properties in Romania – in Viscri, in the Zalanului Valley, in Malancrav and in Breb.

And he has done plenty of charity work in the region through his foundation while he was still the Prince of Wales.

“People in Romania love The King and his late mother, Queen Elizabeth. There is a sort of a celebration when he visits his residence in Transylvania as the locals really like him.

“He just appears to be very friendly with everyone, very down to earth.”

It was also a special day for Major Neil Cargill, as it was his first Royal Guard as Officer Commanding for the Balaklava Company.

• My trip INSIDE the Royal Family’s private Balmoral Castle holiday home
• Honeymoons, heritage and heartbreak… What does Balmoral mean to King Charles?
• ‘I really miss her’: Queen’s personal reverend opens up about laughs with monarch who ‘knew everyone’ around Balmoral

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