Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine, alongside Prince William, were on hand to welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender to the UK. After greeting the presidential couple at Heathrow Airport, the group traveled together to Windsor Castle for the official ceremonial welcome with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
As the party stepped onto the dais in the Quadrangle, the President and First Lady walked ahead to meet the King and Queen. Standing off to the side, Princess Catherine performed a respectful curtsey—though Camilla, engaged in conversation with the First Lady, didn’t notice it at first. With perfect composure, Catherine caught her mother-in-law’s attention and offered a second graceful curtsey. Camilla responded warmly, smiling and blowing her a lighthearted kiss. The Princess, elegant in a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen tailored coat, beamed as she reunited with Their Majesties for yet another significant moment in King Charles’s reign.
Just as they had during President Trump’s UK visit in September, William and Catherine served as official chaperones, accompanying the visiting dignitaries from their arrival to the ceremonial welcome.
The formal proceedings included a carriage procession through Windsor, a Royal Salute from the Guard of Honour, and performances by the regimental band featuring both German and British national anthems. The King then accompanied President Steinmeier to inspect the Guard of Honour before they moved inside the Castle for a private luncheon.
Later in the day, the delegation is set to view a curated selection of German-linked pieces from the Royal Collection Trust. The visit will conclude with a glittering state banquet in St. George’s Hall, where both King Charles and President Steinmeier will give speeches. Several members of the Royal Family are expected to attend, with tiaras for the ladies and full evening dress for the gentlemen.
