The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to take on prominent diplomatic roles during the state visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, which begins on December 3, 2023. This visit marks the first by a German President to the UK in nearly three decades and will see the couple officially greet the visitors upon their arrival at Heathrow Airport.
The three-day visit will kick off with a formal welcome at Windsor Castle, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host the guests. As part of the ceremonial events, royal salutes will be fired in the Home Park and at the Tower of London, signifying the importance of this occasion. Following the arrival and greeting, a carriage procession will take place, transporting the royals and their guests to Windsor Castle for a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour in the castle Quadrangle.
On this visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to demonstrate their growing roles as modern representatives of the monarchy, a trend that began with their involvement in state visits to France and the United States earlier this year. Their participation underscores Prince William’s evolving role as a diplomatic figure within the royal family.
After the formal welcome, the visiting couple will join King Charles and Queen Camilla for a state luncheon in the State Dining Room, alongside other royal family members. Following lunch, the President and First Lady will have the opportunity to explore a special exhibition featuring German items from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room.
The President’s itinerary includes meetings with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at No. 10 Downing Street, along with discussions with business leaders from both the UK and Germany. Meanwhile, Ms. Büdenbender will visit the Judith Kerr Primary School in southeast London to engage with pupils and celebrate the school’s connection to the renowned German-born British author.
The first day will culminate in a state banquet at Windsor Castle. The formal event, which requires a white-tie dress code, will see the King and Queen joined by key royal family members. Traditionally, guests are required to wear black tailcoats and evening gowns, with the Princess of Wales expected to make a fashion statement once again. Observers anticipate that she may choose to wear attire by a German designer or don colours from the German flag, embracing a tradition of sartorial diplomacy.
Continuing Traditions and Ceremonies
On the following day, December 4, 2023, the President and Ms. Büdenbender will privately visit St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, where they will lay flowers on the Tomb of Queen Elizabeth II. They will then join the King and Queen at a reception that celebrates the positive impact of volunteering through an initiative called The Big Help Out.
The day will also include a visit to view the State Sleigh, an item designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, which holds significance in the context of the royal family’s German heritage. The royals celebrate their ancestry by continuing various festive traditions, including the exchange of gifts on Christmas Eve, a practice rooted in their German lineage.
As the state visit progresses, the President and First Lady will also engage in discussions with members of the German community in the UK at the Embassy of Germany, while Ms. Büdenbender will participate in a session on women in law at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Concluding the Visit with Cultural Engagements
The visit will conclude on December 5, 2023, as the President lays a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, followed by a prayer service at Coventry Cathedral. This reflects a commitment to peace and reconciliation, which is central to the visit’s theme.
Additionally, the couple will tour Siemens Healthineers and the University of Oxford before returning to Germany. This visit not only reinforces the ongoing diplomatic relationship between the UK and Germany but also highlights the royal family’s role in fostering international ties and cultural exchange. The couple had previously hosted King Charles and Queen Camilla during their first outgoing state visit to Germany in March 2023, setting the stage for this significant follow-up.
