BERLIN: King Charles III on Thursday became the first monarch of the United Kingdom to address the German parliament, paying rich tribute to the deep historical ties between the two countries. He is visiting Germany on the first state visit of his reign with the Queen Consort till Friday.
The King said that it was an honor to be addressing the German Parliament, saying he was proud to be in Germany to “renew the special ties of friendship between the two nations.”
King Charles
Charles said the friendship between the two countries “meant so much to my beloved mother,” who frequently spoke of her visits to Germany. According to media reports the monarch discussed the conflict in Ukraine, and lauded the countries’ support and relief of Kyiv.
He said that countless people have been killed in the most brutal way in Ukraine. The King said that the security of Europe countries has also been threatened, “together with our democratic values,”.
The king’s speech also touched on cultural ties, technology, and even football – referencing England women’s football team’s victory against Germany at the Euro cup 2022.
Earlier King Charles III also met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and discussed matters of mutual interest.
The King will also visit a refugee center supporting Ukrainians displaced people due to war. It was a grand arrival for King Charles and the queen when they arrived in Berlin on Wednesday with a 21-gun salute.
The three-day visit is Charles’s 29th state visit to Germany, though he had visited the country on 40 occasions. The British government hopes that the visit helps reinforce ties with European allies after its departure from the EU.
On Friday, the royal couple will also travel to Hamburg, where they will visit a church heavily damaged by Allied forces during World War II. The King and German president will also lay wreaths there as part of a commemoration ceremony.
