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King Charles to host first German Presidential state visit in 27 Years at Windsor Castle

The visit will take place less than two months after Charles hosted US President Donald Trump for a high-profile stay at the historic Berkshire residence

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(left to right) Elke Buedenbender, the Queen Consort, King Charles III and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during the King's State Visit to Germany in 2023
The King and Queen were in Germany in 2023 - and will now repay the hospitality. Picture: Alamy

By StephenRigley

The King is to host the first incoming state visit by a German president for 27 years next month.

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President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will be feted by Charles and the Queen at Windsor Castle from December 3 to December 5.

The visit will take place less than two months after the King hosted US President Donald Trump for a high-profile stay at the historic Berkshire residence in September.

U.S. President Donald Trump, (2nd R) First Lady Melania Trump, (R) King Charles III and Queen Camilla (L) arrive for the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle
U.S. President Donald Trump, (2nd R) First Lady Melania Trump, (R) King Charles III and Queen Camilla (L) arrive for the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle. Picture: Alamy

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Unusually, it marks the third incoming state visit hosted by the monarch this year - with the King also welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron in July.

Charles is still undergoing treatment for cancer but showing no let-up in his busy schedule.

The monarch, 76, is also travelling to Italy at the end of this month for an outgoing state visit to Vatican City to meet the Pope.

The King travelled to Germany with Camilla in 2023 for the first state visit since his accession.

He received a standing ovation when he delivered the first speech by a British monarch during a session of the Bundestag federal parliament and told a packed chamber he wished to "renew the pledge of friendship between our nations".

President Steinmeier, who attended the King and Queen's coronation two years ago, will be accompanied by his wife, Elke Budenbender - a former judge.

Further details of the visit will be released in due course but are set to include a ceremonial welcome, a grand state banquet in the castle's St George's Hall, and talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.