King Charles and Queen Camilla welcome President of Germany to Windsor for first State Visit in almost 30 years

The King and Queen have welcomed the President of Germany to Windsor on a State Visit set to cement relations between the two countries.

King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, warmly as they arrived at the ceremonial welcome in Windsor.

There were kisses on both cheeks for Queen Camilla from Germany’s First Lady as the two saw each other – they have met on many previous occasion and seem to get on very well.

President Steinmeier had been greeted on his arrival in England by the Prince and Princess of Wales who were waiting at the foot of his plane steps as it taxied into position at Heathrow.

The couple then accompanied the German President and First Lady to Windsor for the ceremonial part of the State Visit.

Royal Salutes were fired from the East Lawn within the Windsor Home Park and by The Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London.

The national anthem of Germany was played and the Sovereign’s Escort gave a Royal Salute.

There was then a carriage procession to Windsor Castle which began with both national anthems being played as the coaches departed.

King Charles and the President of Germany rode in the Irish State Coach while Queen Camilla and Elke Budenbender were in the Australian State Coach which had been spotted during final rehearsals for the event in Windsor the day before.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were in the Scottish State Coach.

The carriage procession went through Windsor and the Cambridge Gate before heading to the George IV Gateway and into the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.

There, the official welcome continued with President Steinmeier and The King invited to inspect a Guard of Honour.

King Charles and Queen Camilla also hosted a lunch for their guests where they were joined by members of the Royal Family.

Both Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales chose bright blue for the start of the State Visit with The Queen also wearing a sapphire and diamond brooch that had been presented to Queen Victoria by her German born husband, Prince Albert.

Later, The King and Queen will host a State Banquet in St. George’s Hall.